Date: 9/12/26 3:54 pm From: Jim Danzenbaker via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] September 4, 2026 Westport Seabirds trip report
Hi Tweeters,
Westport Seabirds welcomed a group of birders from the American Birding Association as well as pelagic enthusiasts from the Puget Sound area and further afield for a full day of pelagic birding on a relatively comfortable "no spray" day. After opening announcements and orientation, Captain Todd fired up the *Blitz* and we headed toward the open ocean and Willapa Canyon in Pacific County. Soon, a broad band of Sooty Shearwaters (20,110) and scattered Common Murres (365 - many with a chick in tow) were garnering views by everyone onboard.
As is usually the case, our increasing knowledge of flight style, size, and plumage of the Sootys made finding Pink-footed Shearwaters (1,992) much easier. Several small flocks of Red-necked Phalaropes (76) and Rhinoceros Auklets (65) soon were added to our lists. Buller's Shearwaters (5) put in brief appearances although our daily total was lower than the last several trips.
Unfortunately, there were no fishing boats of any kind on the radar so we knew that we had to find our own birds without the assistance from pelagic bird feeders. Regardless of this setback, as we neared the dropoff to Willapa Canyon, we found a few Black-footed Albatrosses (19) which were more than happy to visit our boat. At one point, we found a large congregation of shearwaters actively feeding which included Sooty and Short-tailed (203) diving on the bait and Pink-footed grabbing food on the surface. Three Pomarine Jaegers (3) as well as diminutive Fork-tailed Storm-Petrels (64) and one Northern Fulmars (1) were working this area as well. It wasn't totally surprising that we only saw one Northern Fulmar all day since they seem to prefer hanging out with the fishing boats. A few Sabine's Gulls (37 - both adults and immatures) made distant passes and we were treated to an Arctic Tern (21) which was taking a break on a log from its long distance journey from the arctic to the antarctic. Red Phalaropes (298) were growing in number and we soon realized that it was going to be a very good day for seeing this species well which can be difficult based on sea conditions and their habit of taking flight quickly on approach.
We continued southwest to the deeper parts of Willapa Canyon where the water temperature was a balmy 62 degrees. Our hoped for bird filled chumming area never really materialized although we were treated to good looks at Fork-tailed Storm-Petrels, Sabine's Gulls, Arctic Terns, Cassin's Auklets (23) and a beautiful dark morph Parasitic Jaeger. We decided to head north on the edge of the canyon and hopefully spot a few things along the way. At this point, our non-avian highlight had to be the numerous Northern Fur Seals (10) that we encountered including a group of 3 with telltale jug handled flippers and curious eyes studying us just as much as we were studying them. Humpback Whales (12) were feeding in the area too which brought on quite a few shutter clicks and gasps of wonder. Not surprising, the calm water also helped us to find *Mola Mola*s (Ocean Sunfish - 10) and Blue Sharks (6). One of the *mola mola*s breached multiple times which made us wonder how this round, generally placid, heavy fish could possibly get airborne! On our return trip, we added a distant South Polar Skua (1) and Parasitic Jaegers which are birds that I always love to see.
We checked the tip of the cormorant and pelican clad south jetty for the booby but it wasn't to be today. Another day perhaps. The seawall at the Westport harbor held an incredible 225 Elegant Terns, a reminder of the continued incursion of this El Nino driven visitor from southern California and points further south. Who knows if we'll ever be treated to this many Elegant Terns in Washington again.
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 Garrett who passed around the ginger cookies! Also, a shout out to our guides Bill Tweit, Charlie Wright, 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...>
