THE GREAT SOUTHERLY PUSH: MONTEREY BAY PELAGIC TRIP REPORT

AUGUST 26, 2016

Shearwater Journeys' August 26, 2016 pelagic trip departing from Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey, California documented the first of the season push of marine life from the southerly regions. Sometime in between late July and late August, we seem to get a warm water stream from southern California. We had ample evidence of this today. PELAGIC RED CRABS in the harbor at the start of the day and BLACK-VENTED SHEARWATERS at the end of the day were telltale signs of life from the southern regions moving into Monterey Bay.

Monterey's seabirds did not disappoint! Highlights included: awesome views of over 100 BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS; NORTHERN/PACIFIC FULMAR hanging around the vessel; PINK-FOOTED, SOOTY, and the first BLACK-VENTED SHEARWATERS of the season; RED PHALAROPES and thousands of RED-NECKED PHALAROPES; POMARINE, PARASITIC, and some stunning LONG-TAILED JAEGERS right over our heads; almost 100 SABINE'S GULLS; good views of CASSIN'S and RHINOCEROS AUKLETS; a get-away MURRELET and more. Marine mammals included: HUMPBACK and BLUE WHALES; RISSO'S DOLPHINS and DALL'S PORPOISE. 

PELAGIC RED CRABS, Pleuroncodes planipes, were visible right in the harbor before we even untied at the dock! These crabs, also known as "tuna crabs" usually reside off Baja California. 

Off Wharf No. 2, we saw HY PIGEON GUILLEMOTS and a number of SEA OTTERS resting or having breakfast. The Coast Guard Pier hosted loads of BRANDT'S CORMORANTS, a few BLACK TURNSTONES, and one SURFBIRD. Along Cannery Row, an early PEREGRINE FALCON was enjoying breakfast on the radio tower. ELEGANT TERNS hovered over our vessel along Cannery Row. 

A father COMMON MURRE with a PELAGIC RED CRAB in its beak!

Only 4 miles off Point Pinos we encountered our first BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSSES at nine a.m. We pretty much had albatrosses in view the entire day after that. Father/hatchling COMMON MURRES were around, vocalizing back and forth to each other. HUMPBACK WHALES seemed to be all around us as we reached the edge of the Monterey Submarine Canyon. Someone spotted a BLUE WHALE — and, a few CASSIN'S AUKLETS were up next. This was no surprise since both species are krill feeders. Thousands of RED-NECKED PHALAROPES and tens of RED PHALAROPES were flying about in large flocks, sometimes high in the sky. Sometimes, they were pursued by PARASITIC or LONG-TAILED JAEGERS. PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS were decidedly the common offshore shearwater. 

At the end of the day, we were treated to the first of the season, BLACK-VENTED SHEARWATERS just off Cypress Point. They had just arrived at Monterey Bay during the last hour of our trip! Perfect timing! This inshore species of shearwater breeds to the south of area, on six islands off the west coast of Mexico. 

A group of RISSO'S DOLPHINS were just off the Monterey Bay Aquarium, almost certainly feeding on the abundant squid that has been present for this fall. 

Many thanks to all of the folks who traveled from near and far to join Shearwater Journeys on this exciting day at sea. The Monterey Bay is truly a world class seabirding and marine mammal destination. Today very much proved that!

The leaders were: SCOTT TERRILL, ALEX RINKERT, NICK LEVENDOSKY and DEBI SHEARWATER. Special thanks to my very long time friend, JERI LANGHAM.

THE COMPLETE SPECIES LIST FOR SHEARWATER JOURNEYS' AUGUST 26, 2016 MONTEREY BAY PELAGIC TRIP FOLLOWS. Note that estimated numbers are below, but precise numbers are contained in eBIRD CHECKLISTS. 

MONTEREY/SANTA CRUZ COUNTIES:

COMMON LOON- 1/0

BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS- 95/60

NORTHERN/PACIFIC FULMAR- 2/0

PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER- 25/70

SOOTY SHEARWATER- 325/65

BLACK-VENTED SHEARWATER- 13/0

BROWN PELICAN- 45/0

BRANDT'S CORMORANT- 140/0

DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT- 1/0

PELAGIC CORMORANT- 12/0

BLACK TURNSTONE- 5/0

SURFBIRD- 1/0

RED-NECKED PHALAROPE- 500/2000

RED PHALAROPE- 25/50

POMARINE JAEGER- 2/4

PARASITIC JAEGER- 4/3

LONG-TAILED JAEGER- 0/5

JAEGER SP.- 2/2

HERRMANN'S GULL- 30/0

CALIFORNIA GULL- 75/30

WESTERN GULL- 50/25 

SABINE'S GULL- 2/95

ELEGANT TERN- 50/1

COMMON TERN- 2/6

ARCTIC TERN- 0/1

COMMON MURRE- 200/100

PIGEON GUILLEMOT- 20/0

SCRIPPS'S/CRAVERI'S MURRELET- 0/1

CASSIN'S AUKLET- 10/45

RHINOCEROS AUKLET- 10/30

PEREGRINE FALCON- 1/0, on the radio tower, Cannery Row

SEA OTTER- 6

CALIFORNIA SEA LION- 100

NORTHERN FUR SEAL- 1

BLUE WHALE- 3

HUMPBACK WHALE- 50

RISSO'S DOLPHIN- 60

DALL'S PORPOISE- 12

OCEAN SUNFISH- 2

PELAGIC RED CRABS- ++ in the harbor and off Point Pinos

To view more of Beth Hamel's lovely images from this day, click here. 

UPCOMING TRIPS DEPARTING FROM MONTEREY

SEPTEMBER 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 14, 15, 23, 24, 25

OCTOBER 1, 8, 16

GET IN ON THE FALL SEASON OF SEABIRDS

LIVING THE SALT LIFE,

Debi Shearwater

debi@shearwaterjourneys.com

Images by Beth Hamel, copyright

FINDING LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCHES in the LOST COUNTY OF SAN BENITO

GEMS of the OAK WOODLANDS

Lawrence's Goldfinch is one of the most prized passerines in our region. Little known and rarely studied, many sources state that they are unpredictable, erratic and nomadic. While that may be true for many regions where this species occurs, that is most definitely not the case in San Benito County, California. 

San Benito County, California plays host to year-round populations of Lawrence's Goldfinches. The fact that the birds of San Benito County have rarely been studied most likely contributes to this lack of published information regarding a year-round population. As far as I know, the county has never had a thorough ornithological survey. Counties that border us, Monterey, Santa Cruz, and Santa Clara have drawn the attention of many birders. Thus, much is known about these counties. While small portions of San Benito County are similar to neighboring counties, much of it is not similar at all. In my retirement I shall endeavor to add significantly to the avian knowledge base of San Benito County, The Lost County, as I call it. Nonetheless, I have been birding the county for the past 25 years. 

 The single best and most convenient location for finding LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCHES is PINNACLES NATIONAL PARK, EAST ENTRANCE at this time of year. Our newest national park, PNP is located about 30 miles south of Hollister along Highway 25, a very scenic road.  Driving time is about 45 minutes. The entrance road to the park is well signed from Highway 25. Watch for YELLOW-BILLED MAGPIES en route. Note, however, that stopping along Highway 25 can be tricky and is not recommended. Be sure to top off your vehicle with fuel and pick up food supplies, especially liquids, prior to leaving Hollister.

PRECISE LOCATION for LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCHES: You will arrive at the turn off for the campground and park office/store building on your left. You'll need to check in at the office to pay a fee and obtain a pass. Behind the store is the swimming pool and the shower/restroom. Directly behind the store is an air conditioning unit. On the other side of this unit is a DRIPPING FAUCET and a PUDDLE. The LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCHES will fly to this puddle and dripping faucet as long as you do not stand too closely to the area. In the very early morning, the goldfinches will land on the cyclone fencing or grassy areas around the swimming pool. They goldfinches fly in from the tops of trees, either the large oak tree opposite the pool, or the sycamore trees around the store. Listen for their bell-like tinkling sounds. BEST TIME OF DAY: is early morning, at least by 7 a.m. prior to activity at the pool or restroom, although the goldfinches continue to use the faucet throughout the day. The park office does not open until 9:30 a.m. However, you can arrive prior to opening hour. I have alerted park personnel regarding these very special birds. One of the best ways to see the goldfinches and other birds is to came at Pinnacles. Many birds are extremely tame allowing for great photography. HOW LONG WILL THEY STAY: During this time of year, Lawrence's Goldfinches are never found very far from water. If you see a Lawrence's Goldfinch, chances are there is water nearby, even if only a puddle. They will stay until it RAINS! Once the rains arrive water becomes available in other places causing them to spread out. Let's hope the rains arrive this year! In my area the will not be until November (earliest), or January — if we see any rain at all!

It appears that LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCHES have had a banner breeding season in 2016 owing to the spring rains. San Benito County has been in a extremely severe drought. Winter and spring rains this year helped, but were not enough to bring us out of the drought. Nevertheless, several notable species of birds seem to have benefited from the brief rains. These species include: California Quail, American Kestrel, Cassin's Kingbird, Lawrence's Goldfinch and Bell's Sparrow, below.

 

Both BELL'S SPARROW (begging fledgling, above) and LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCH are closely associated with chemise dominated chaparral. Bell's Sparrows can be found many places in Pinnacles National Park.

OTHER BIRDS AT PINNACLES: BELL'S SPARROW and CALIFORNIA CONDOR are probably the two most sought after species at the park. Presently a pair of condors are feeding a fledgling in the nest. If this condor successfully fledges, it will be the first such fledgling in over 100 years! Most of the condors are not coming to their usual roost trees in the evening. The best chances of seeing a condor at this time would be to hike the High Peaks Trail. Additional specialty birds found at Pinnacles include: PRAIRIE FALCON, GOLDEN EAGLE, GREATER ROADRUNNER, NUTTALL'S WOODPECKER, ROCK and CANYON WRENS, CALIFORNIA THRASHER, CALIFORNIA TOWHEE, WRENTIT, and more. Altogether, Pinnacles is an excellent park for birding. 

eBIRDING at PINNACLES NATIONAL PARK: Please check eBird prior to your visit for the long list of hot spots in this park. Many of the trails are hot spots. The campground is a hot spot. It is strongly preferred that one uses a hot spot rather than dumping the data into one general location such as the hot spot for the entire park. If using the app, you most likely will not have cell phone coverage in the park. Also: be aware that Chestnut-backed Chickadee is a very rare bird anywhere in the park. It sounds remarkably like the Oak Titmouse. Many experienced birders has difficulty separating the two by sound. Please report your sightings! Thank you!

FIRE: Currently, the Big Sur Coast is being impacted by the Soborannes Fire. Finding CALIFORNIA CONDORS along Highway 1 on the coast may be impossible, although there are a couple recent eBird reports. This fire is expected to burn until late September. I highly recommend heading to Pinnacles National Park. 

BIRDING ON THE FAULT LINES

of the

Lost County

Debi Shearwater

debi@shearwaterjourneys.com
All images by Beth Hamel, copyright.
Please do not use without permission.

THE MIXING ZONE: HALF MOON BAY PELAGIC TRIP REPORT

AUGUST 13, 2016

Shearwater Journeys' August 13, 2016 pelagic trip departing from Pillar Point, Half Moon Bay was simply put— over the top — with very exciting seabirds, whales and dolphins. Highlights included: the NORTHERN GANNET at Pillar Point; a BROWN BOOBY on a rusting barrel offshore; a GRAND SLAM: POMARINE, PARASITIC, LONG-TAILED JAEGERS & SOUTH POLAR SKUA; SABINE'S GULLS; ARCTIC TERNS; and SCRIPPS'S & CRAVERI'S MURRELETS; ASHY, WILSON'S and FORK-TAILED STORM-PETRELS. Cetacean highlights included: 11 BLUE WHALES, 4 FIN WHALES, 120 HUMPBACK WHALES; 350 PACIFIC WHITE-SIDED DOLPHINS and 4 NORTHERN RIGHT WHALE DOLPHINS.

The sea surface temperature chart showed a messy area of mixing temperatures near the weather buoy. Indeed, we tracked temperatures throughout the day as they rose from 54 F to 59.45 F. The "mixing zone" turned out to be loaded with feeding seabirds and marine mammals. 

Chart used by permission of Terrafin, a service that I subscribe to.

SCRIPPS'S MURRELET, above, was one of two that we observed. 

Two CRAVERI'S MURRELETS popped off the water almost immediately as they were called out. They did what so many murrelets do: fly over the edge of the Earth! 

At least a few lucky and fast birders saw and photographed them. 

The dusky wing-linings are a definitive ID characteristic.

An adult BROWN BOOBY was sitting on a rusty barrel well offshore.

Brown Boobies have not been as common this season as last year.

Some high flying folks were on board. 

OLAF DANIELSON who is doing a BIG YEAR, above with L.

CHRISTIAN HAGENLOCHER, who is also doing a BIG YEAR, above with good friend, Casey.

This was the first trip of the season to hit a GRAND SLAM:

POMARINE, PARASITIC (above), & LONG-TAILED JAEGERS

& 

SOUTH POLAR SKUA

A POMARINE (right) and PARASITIC JAEGER (left).

A great group of fun, young birders on board!

Many thanks to all of the fun participants who joined us from near and far for this almost 12 hour pelagic trip. This was an excellent day at sea for both seabirds and marine mammals. 

It takes a team to make such a day. Leaders on this trip included: PETER PYLE, STEVE TUCKER, JIM HOLMES, WILL BROOKS, and DEBI SHEARWATER. This trip was submitted to eBird following pelagic eBird protocol. 

THE COMPLETE SPECIES LIST FOR SHEARWATER JOURNEYS'

AUGUST 13, 2016 HALF MOON BAY PELAGIC TRIP FOLLOWS:

SAN MATEO/SAN FRANCISCO COUNTIES:

COMMON LOON- 4/0

WESTERN GREBE- 2/0

BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS- 20/40

NORTHERN/PACIFIC FULMAR- 0/5

PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER- 75/150

SOOTY SHEARWATER- 2,000/250

WILSON'S STORM-PETREL- 1/0

ASHY STORM-PETREL- 10/20

FORK-TAILED STORM-PETREL- 1/1

BROWN BOOBY- 0/1

NORTHERN GANNET- 1/0

BROWN PELICAN- 30/0

BRANDT'S CORMORANT- 15/0

DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT- 2/0

PELAGIC CORMORANT- 2/0

RED-NECKED PHALAROPE- 80/30

RED PHALAROPE- 10/2

SOUTH POLAR SKUA- 0/1

POLMARINE JAEGER- 0/1

PARASITIC JAEGER- 1/1

LONG-TAILED JAEGER- 0/3

HERRMANN'S GULL- 10/0

CALIFORNIA GULL- 10/8

WESTERN GULL- 200/25

SABINE'S GULL- 0/12

COMMON TERN- 0/1

ARCTIC TERN- 0/3

COMMON MURRE- 400/40

PIGEON GUILLEMOT- 7/0

SCRIPPS'S MURRELET- 2/0

CRAVERI'S MURRELET- 1/2

CASSIN'S AUKLET- 450/450

RHINOCEROS AUKLET- 7/2

BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD- 0/1, offshore

CALIFORNIA SEA LION- 35

STELLER'S SEA LION- 2

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL- 3

MINKE WHALE- 1

BLUE WHALE- 11

FIN WHALE- 4

HUMPBACK WHALE- 120

NORTHERN RIGHT WHALE DOLPHIN- 4

PACIFIC WHITE-SIDED DOLPHIN- 350

HARBOR PORPOISE- 20

UNIDENTIFIED CETACEAN-1 (thought to be a large dolphin, best left unidentified)

OCEAN SUNFISH- 4

UPCOMING TRIPS DEPARTING FROM HALF MOON BAY

AUGUST 19

SEPTEMBER 4, 16, 18

OCTOBER 2, 9

UPCOMING TRIPS DEPARTING FROM MONTEREY BAY

AUGUST 26

SEPTEMBER 3, 7, 8, 9, 11, 14, 15, 23, 24, 25

OCTOBER 1, 8, 16

GREAT TIME TO HEAD OFFSHORE!

LIVING THE SALT LIFE,

Debi Shearwater

debi@shearwaterjourneys.com

Seabird images by Nathan Goldberg