Date: 6/10/26 8:30 pm From: Jim Danzenbaker via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] June 7, 2026 Westport Seabirds trip report
Hi Tweeters,
On Sunday, 25 of us met on the deck of the *Blitz* captained by Todd Sawin. If this doesn't sound like a typical introduction to a Westport Seabirds trip, Todd and the *Blitz* are the new faces of Westport Seabirds. A cloudy sky, occasional gusts, and a few sprinkles had us wondering about things to come but the double rainbow gave us hope for a great trip. This day was scheduled perfectly during a 24-hour window of worthy weather with a clearing sky and lack of significant wind. We bounced over the swells at the bar between the jetties and the seas eventually relaxed to a 4-foot multidirectional swell with no sheep on the pond (white caps).
Soon, Sooty Shearwaters (2,067), Common Murres (154) and Rhinoceros Auklets (51) were sighted, although not in overwhelming numbers, so our keen-eyed pelagic enthusiasts could concentrate on the defining features of each species. The everpresent gulls occasionally flew by, but no worries as to their exact species since they were recorded as "big guys," which is probably a better name than "gull soup". Pink-footed Shearwaters (450) were added to the mix as we continued westward towards the edge of the Continental Shelf and the hoped for fishing fleet with attendant tubenoses. A great surprise and to the delight of many was a flyover South Polar Skua (1), which gave a brief but soul satisfying view. I've always loved yelling "Skua"! This species breeds in Antarctica and spends the austral winter (our summer) terrorizing shearwaters and gulls in the waters off Alaska. A June sighting of SP Skua is noteworthy although our list of June trips over the years is light compared to other months.
As we neared the shelf edge, we wound our way through many smaller halibut fishing boats and saw quite a few diminutive Fork-tailed Storm-Petrels (98) and Northern Fulmars (27) all hoping for little tidbits that might find their way back to the sea around the boats. A few hoped for Black-footed Albatrosses (10) made their appearance at the appropriate time so were able to compare small, medium, and large tubernoses in one view. We continued onwards to the deeper water beyond the shelf edge.
The great thing about laying a slick is that sometimes it really works well and we were lucky today. Almost as soon as we set the table, the storm-petrels responded including one cooperative Leach's Storm-Petrel (1) which fed alongside the ~50 Fork-tailed Storm-Petrels which gave a perfect comparison of flight style and behavior. However, even mentioning several times to look for unusual looking birds like pterodromas didn't entice any of these hoped for species to the slick. Maybe later?
On our way back east and close to the edge of the shelf, Captain Todd found a factory ship that was dragging a few lines. In its wake were quite a few Sooty and squeaking Pink-footed Shearwaters and the only Short-tailed Shearwaters (9). True to form, it seems that Short-tailed Shearwaters always prefer hanging out around these larger fishing boats. A bit later, I found that yelling "Skua" wasn't nearly as satisfying as yelling "HAWAIIAN PETREL"! Indeed, it flew down the side of the boat and continued flying away at the stern as I yelled although it didn't return. A handful of us saw it but it didn't allow for photos so only written descriptions can support this 3rd or 4th Washington State record. It certainly was a shot of adrenalin!
The birds weren't the only things that highlighted our day. We spotted a total of 17 Humpback Whales (several breaching) and one small pod of about 10 Pacific White-sided Dolphins and a few Dall's Porpoises (3). A Northern Fur Seal rounded out the pelagic mammal sightings although both of the expected sea lion species and Harbor Porpoises (2) were added on the way in. One Ocean Sunfish (*mola mola)* (1) flapped lazily on the surface and a few Blue Sharks (6) were seen*. *Mola molas, though not the most energetic creatures on the planet, always garner many photo snaps and gasps of wonder.
Closer to shore, Pacific Loons (2) and a Red-throated Loon (1) flew over heading north and a sizable flock of 30+ Surf Scoters was near the tip of the pelican and cormorant capped south jetty. Pigeon Guillemots (11) were common as we motored through the final leg of our day at sea.
Westport Seabirds thanks all of the enthusiastic participants who make these trips a success. Also, thanks to Captain Todd for his consummate professionalism and knowledge of the sea and the ginger cookies delivered by Olivia! Also, a big thanks to our guides Shep Thorpe, Cindy McCormack, and your trip reporter.
The entire crew and staff of Westport Seabirds is looking forward to a highlight rich 2026. Who knows what the predicted super El Nino will bring. Keep monitoring the Westport Seabirds website ( https://westportseabirds.com) and the 2026 schedule for updates and availability.
We hope to see you onboard!
Jim Danzenbaker for Westport Seabirds.
-- Jim Danzenbaker Battle Ground, WA 360-702-9395 <jdanzenbaker...>
