Date: 9/6/26 12:50 pm From: Jim Danzenbaker via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] August 23, 2026 Westport Seabirds trip report
Hi Tweeters,
One hopes for a blend of species abundance, a mammal show, and pleasant weather conditions on every Westport Seabirds pelagic trip and this trip filled the bill on all of them. We gathered on the deck of the *Blitz* captained by Todd Sawin and, after orientation, headed to the bay and through the jetties to the open ocean. Even before we reached the jetties, we had great views of Elegant Terns which have invaded the area thanks to the developing super El Nino which has driven them from the south. Beyond the jetties, it was all about the steady stream of Sooty Shearwaters (11,551) and Common Murres (545) with 3/4 sized young ones.
Soon, Pink-footed Shearwaters (458) joined in with the Sootys for good comparisons of these two most commonly occurring tubenoses in Washington waters. Several small flocks of Red-necked Phalaropes (123) and Rhinoceros Auklets (RHAU - 212) soon were added to our lists. At one point, the hoped for call of "puffin" rang out and we all watched as an adult Tufted Puffin (2) flew by with a RHAU for good comparison of body size and flight style. Buller's Shearwaters (16) appeared and we concentrated on getting excellent views of this elegant species from New Zealand. I will never tire of seeing them! Surprsingly common small flocks of Cassin's Auklets (72) also winged their way by us - an encouraging sign of the abundance of life below the surface of the water.
The target was a group of Hake fishing boats working the waters at the edge of Willapa canyon in Pacific County. As we neared the first boat, we were delighted to see many birds flying around as well as resting on the water waiting for the boat to bring up nets so they could grab their next meal. Black-footed Albatrosses (127) took center stage with about 112 in the area! Diminutive Fork-tailed Storm-Petrels (49) and bulky Northern Fulmars (13) were working this area as well. Sabine's Gulls (58 - both adults and immatures) made forays behind the boat as did a pair of Arctic Terns (4). A few Red Phalaropes (8) were in the area too! We soon headed to the deep blue waters of Willapa Canyon.
Calm waters and a comfortable ride have drawbacks as we soon found out when we laid our chum slick. No wind meant no help in wafting the aroma of fresh suet and oil which attracts birds to the slick. A few Northern Fulmars and Fork-tailed Storm-Petrels flew through but we never managed a more formidable flock. We decided to head back to the waters along the shelf edge. Regardless of the low numbers, we did see several pairs of Pigeon Guillemots (7) which were winging their way northward to their wintering grounds in the Salish Sea. It always seems counterintuitive to think of a species that has populations that winter north of their breeding grounds!
Another highlight was a large pod of mixed dolphins including very active Risso's Dolphins (15) which aren't regularly encountered on Westport seabirds trips. We watched as they lept halfway out of the water showing their large pale head and scratched bodies. With the sometimes bow riding Pacific White-sided Dolphins (55) that were in their company it was a sight to behold! The show was interrupted briefly by a Humpback whale that motrored towards the Blitz and probably swam under us before emerging on the other side to continue its way to unseen feeding grounds. In addition to the dolphins, we encountered Humpback Whales (6), Blue Sharks (30), and Ocean Sunfish (*mola mola)* (14). Mola molas, though not the most energetic creatures on the planet, always garner many photo snaps and gasps of wonder. Both Guadalupe (1) and Northern Fur Seals (1) were also seen as well as a few fur seals which defied identification. Its always encouraging to see Guadalupe Fur Seals since there was a time when they were almost extinct.
Our return trip was punctuated by 2 South Polar Skuas (2), a Parasitic Jaeger (4) and the day's second Tufted Puffin. Little did we know that the highlight of the day was further ahead.
As we neared the tip of the pelican and cormorant capped south jetty, we always hope to find something out of the ordinary and this was our day. Bill said "Is that a booby" and we all turned our attention to the booby that was perched on one of the rocks. Long lens photography allowed us to see the red legs on the booby which clinched its identification. This Red-footed Booby was a first for Westport Seabirds and a second record for Grays Harbor County. Bill had the first single observer record many moons ago.
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! Also, a big thanks to our guides Charlie Wright, Bill Tweit, 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 <(360)%20702-9395> <jdanzenbaker...>
