Just to keep you informed of what is happening out on Monterey Bay, itself—
Shearwater Journeys' Cook's Petrel chase trip of yesterday, August 2 found the following:
91 COOK'S PETRELS IN THREE COUNTIES: MONTEREY, SANTA CRUZ & SAN MATEO
3 DARK-RUMPED PETRELS IN THREE COUNTIES: MONTEREY, SANTA CRUZ & SAN MATEO
11 XANTUS' MURRELETS IN THREE COUNTIES: MONTEREY, SANTA CRUZ & SAN MATEO (all scrippsi, except one hypoleucus in Monterey County)
53 LONG-TAILED JAEGERS IN THREE COUNTIES: MONTEREY, SANTA CRUZ & SAN MATEO
48 RED PHALAROPES IN THREE COUNTIES: MONTEREY, SANTA CRUZ & SAN MATEO— first of the fall season
4-5 BAIRD'S BEAKED WHALES
1 MESOPLODON SP.— probable HUBB'S BEAKED WHALE
We were 45 nm offshore at our farthest point. The seas were glassy-smooth. Most of the tubenoses were not flying, making it more difficult to find them, as they sat on the water. We did find small flocks of Cook's Petrels, sitting on the water. We saw the first Cook's Petrel of the day about 0930 and the last Cook's Petrel at 1515 hrs. There may have been one STEJNEGER'S PETREL. We are not prepared to call this until we have a closer look at some photographs. Even then, it may not be conclusive.
By anyone's standards, it was a knock-out day and a total success story in terms of chasing the Cook's Petrels, with Dark-rumped Petrel being a bonus bird! For county birders it was a dream trip! I will be posting a full report today. In this post, I only include the highlights.
I would sincerely like to thank all of the birders who joined us on this trip, including many who drove long distances to join us. We did not have any "official" leaders. However, the following folks who lead for Shearwater Journeys were on board: Scott Terrill, Linda Terrill, John Sterling, David Vander Pluym, Don Doolittle, Matt Brady, Oscar Johnsoon, Lauren Harter, Mike Rogers, Denise Wight, John Hiles, Steve Rottenborn and Todd McGrath (Volcanic Seabirder). I would especially like to thank the following people: Wes Fritz for bringing his incredible chum machine; Skipper, David Lemon for literally going many extra miles; Larry, our deckhand; and Chis of Chris' Fishing Shop. Again, many thanks to the participants who arrived on such short notice.
***COOK'S PETREL CHASE TRIP: AUGUST 6TH, THURSDAY***
Yes, we are going out, again! If you missed your chance to see these birds, now is the time to jump on board!!
Details:
ARRIVAL: 5:30 AM AT CHRIS' FISHING SHOP, FISHERMAN'S WHARF, MONTEREY
DEPARTURE: BOAT LEAVES THE DOCK AT 6 AM, SHARP
RETURN TIME: VARIABLE- could be 4-6 pm. Not later than 6 pm.
BRING: lunch, drinks.
WEAR: Close-toed shoes and rain pants and jackets to protect from spray. (It is not going to rain)
FORECAST: at this time, the marine forecast is very good for the remainder of the week
COST: variable, depending on how long we stay out- $145-185, and how many people sign up. Please bring cash to the dock, exact amount appreciated. No discounts.
RESERVATIONS: are essential. Please contact Debra Shearwater by email, or phone today until 9 pm: 650-401-7236. Please sign up as soon as possible.
Mike Force on the NOAA vessel McArthur II, was more than 100 miles away from where we were, much further offshore. Mike found one Hawaiian Petrel. Our find of Dark-rumped Petrels matches well with his findings! He seemed to run out of Cook's Petrels out there. So, it is quite possible that they are concentrated closer to shore— within reach of our one day trip from Monterey!
Pterodromas forever and ever,
Debi
Debra Shearwater
Shearwater Journeys, Inc.
PO Box 190
Hollister, CA 95024
831.637.8527
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