Images of the Day by Sophie Webb: October 28, 2012

Hello, Birders,

Here's hoping  you will enjoy Sophie Webb's images from the October 28, 2012 Half Moon Bay  Shearwater Journeys's pelagic trip. All images, copyright, artist, award winning writer of children's books and naturalist, Sophie Webb. Please do not use without permission. 

 MARBLED MURRELET, in the early morning fog, above.

 The fog quickly lifted, revealing PINK-FOOTED above, and BULLER'S SHEARWATER, below.

 More soaring PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, below.

 Very confiding BULLER'S SHEARWATERS, sitting on the water, below. 

 A SOUTH POLAR SKUA, below, sitting amongst the shearwaters.

 The BLACK-VENTED SHEARWATER show was pretty awesome. 

 BLACK-VENTED SHEARWATER, below.

 Adult BROWN PELICAN. Many young pelicans starved to death this fall. 

 HEERMANN'S GULL, below.

 Part of the large flock of BLACK-VENTED SHEARWATERS, below. Shoreline in the background.

 Great photographic opportunity of a seabird not often found in Northern California. 

 It was hard to not be entranced with the BLACK-VENTS, above and below. 

 Adult BROWN PELICAN, below.

 Surprisingly, not very many COMMON MURRES were observed.

 ELEGANT TERNS on the jetty in the harbor.

Hope to see you on our last fall trip, NOVEMBER 20th from HALF MOON BAY!

Debi Shearwater

debi@shearwaterjourneys.com

TRIP REPORT: OCTOBER 28, 2012 HALF MOON BAY

Howdy, Seabirders,

This is a trip report for Shearwater Journeys's pelagic trip departing from Half Moon Bay, October 28, 2012. Highlights included great views of over 500 BLACK-VENTED SHEARWATERS, which Martin Meyers obtained beautiful images of, below. 

 Black-vented Shearwater is an inshore seabird, found most often on the Continental Shelf.

 Of course, we also made a search for the endangered MARBLED MURRELET, finding two of them. The normal scattering of fall seabirds were present, including BULLER'S SHEARWATER below, although it was getting late for them.

 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS were observed in good numbers, along with two SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATERS. 

Many thanks to all of the birders who joined us from near and far for this day at sea. The leaders were: Sophie Webb, Jennifer Green and Debi Shearwater. All images, copyright, Martin Meyers. Please do not use without permission. To see more of Martin's images, click here. 

Our last pelagic trip of the year is scheduled for NOVEMBER 20, departing from Half Moon Bay. This can be a terrific time of year for arriving winter seabirds, and possibly a rare seabirds. Well, you won't see one if you don't get out there! Leaders scheduled for this day include the intrepid Todd McGrath, Steve Tucker, Debi Shearwater and Ross Schaefer as chum mate. Everyone welcome!

The complete species list follows.

OCTOBER 28, 2012

SAN MATEO/SAN FRANCISCO COUNTY

RED-THROATED LOON- 1/0

PACIFIC LOON- 3/0

COMMON LOON- 5/0

EARED GREBE- 95/0

WESTERN GREBE- +/0

CLARK'S GREBE- +/0

BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS- 1/3

NORTHERN FULMAR- 25/25

PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER- 223/180

BULLER'S SHEARWATER- 35/128

SOOTY SHEARWATER- 30/120

SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATER- 0/2

BLACK-VENTED SHEARWATER- 510/0

BROWN PELICAN- 25/0

BRANDT'S CORMORANT- 50/0

PELAGIC CORMORANT- 3/0

SURF SCOTER- 25/0

BLACK OYSTERCATCHER- 5/0

BLACK TURNSTONE- 15/0

SURFBIRD- 1/0

SOUTH POLAR SKUA- 0/1

POMARINE JAEGER- 6/12

BONAPARTE'S GULL- 2/1

HEERMANN'S GULL- +

CALIFORNIA GULL- +

HERRING GULL- 1/2

WESTERN GULL- +

GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL- 2/0

ELEGANT TERN- 8, in the harbor

COMMON MURRE- 230/10

PIGEON GUILLEMOT- 2/0

MARBLED MURRELET- 2/0

CASSIN'S AUKLET- 0/30

RHINOCEROS AUKLET- 40/40

TUFTED PUFFIN- 1/0, brief flyby only

SEA OTTER- 5

CALIFORNIA SEA LION-2

OCEAN SUNFISH- 4

NO CETACEANS OBSERVED! 

Shearwaters forever,

Debi Shearwater

debi@shearwaterjourneys.com

"EMERGENCY" PELAGIC TRIP: OCTOBER 29, 2011 BODEGA BAY WHITE-CHINNED PETREL

Howdy Birders,

For the second time in just a few months, Todd McGrath found a WHITE-CHINNED PETREL (Procellaria aequinoctialis) on October 16, 2011 near the Cordell Bank on a pelagic trip from Bodega Bay. This petrel was sitting on the water, as below, with a flock of NORTHERN FULMARS. Images copyright, Todd McGrath. Please do not use without permission.

This individual petrel is not the same bird as the WHITE-CHINNED PETREL that Todd found on the September 6, 2011 southern California pelagic trip aboard the Searcher. Given these two White-chinned Petrel records, and the two sightings of GREAT-WINGED PETREL (found by Abe Borker August 26, 2011 at Monterey Bay and September 17, at Half Moon Bay, both Shearwater Journeys' trips), and reports of SHORT-TAILED ALABTROSS, I've determined that an "emergency" pelagic trip at Bodega Bay is in order. In addition, other seabirds were abundant at Bodega Canyon and Cordell Bank on October 14, 15 and 16. Late October and November are really great times to get out on the ocean. Most of the southern hemisphere breeders have departed, making the unusual or rare seabirds stand out more readily. For instance, every one of Shearwater Journeys' October pelagic trips, from every port, found at least one FLESH-FOOTED SHEARWATER. Our Half Moon Bay trip on October 16th found four Flesh-footed Shearwaters and a LAYSAN ALBATROSS.

You will need a reservation for the "Emergency" pelagic trip. The trip is guaranteed to run no matter how many people sign up. If the trip sells out, I will post a notice on this blog and on the list serves. The trip will only be canceled if the weather/seas do not allow us to proceed. I will try to call you on your cell phone, if that happens.

EMERGENCY PELAGIC TRIP INFO:

DATE: SAT, OCT 29

PLACE OF DEPARTURE: PORT O'BODEGA, BODEGA BAY

MEETING TIME: 6:30 AM, SHARP

PARKING: FREE

RETURN TIME: APPROX. 5 PM, DO NOT BOOK AN EVENING FLIGHT

BOAT FEE: $230 PER PERSON

RESERVATIONS: Email your name, home address, cell phone to debi@shearwaterjourneys.com and put your check in the mail immediately. After October 25th, do not send checks. You will need to pay at the dock, cash only, if space is still available. You will need to have a reply from Debi for a firm reservation.

PREPARATION: Dress very warmly with waterproof outer layer, if possible. You must wear CLOSE-TOED SHOES. Bring gloves, hats. Bring all food & drink for the day. Take a seasick pill. As with all Shearwater Journeys trip, this is a non-smoking trip. Check in with Debi prior to boarding the boat.

BODEGA BAY MOTELS: Bodega Harbor Inn is usually the least expensive, but not my personal favorite. Inn at the Tides is very nice and seems like it might have a special rate going on at the moment. There's a few others, but not many. Motel rates can be cheaper on Highway 101 in Petaluma. However, if you elect to stay along Highway 101, be sure to allow yourself at least an hour to drive to the boat because you can get lost, get slowed down by dense fog or a small truck pulling a trailer with a boat. For the person who has never been to Bodega Bay before, this option is not the best idea. If you miss the boat, and I will leave on time, you will not receive any refund or credit.

RESTAURANTS: No restaurants are open early enough in the morning for the boat trip. None of the motels serves breakfast early enough, either. Be sure to plan for your breakfast. Some motel rooms have refrigerators and/or microwaves. The Pelican Plaza Deli and gourmet grocery store can make you a good sandwich for the boat trip, but you'll need to arrive before they close on Friday night. My favorite restaurant for dinner is the Sandpiper.

Keep in mind that Shearwater Journeys' two November trips have spaces available: November 22 departing from Half Moon Bay and November 27 departing from Monterey Bay.

Shearwaters & Auklets & Procellaria Petrels Forever,

Debi Shearwater

AKA: Annie Auklet as played by Angelica Huston in the 20th Century Fox movie, "The Big Year" now playing at theater near you!

Planning Your Pelagic Trips

Howdy, Seabirders,

The fall seabird season is about to begin!

I thought that I would offer some advise in planning your trips. Many trips are laid out in such a fashion to be able to combine them with other trips, thereby maximizing your seabird species list. Also, trips are planned to incorporate some days of land birding along the California coast. If you are traveling some distance to do the pelagic trips, it is best to try to do at least two trips. Your biggest costs are getting here, and staying here. You will be looking for not only the resident seabirds, but migrants. Like any of your favorite migration spots, the bird mix changes daily. It can also be greatly influenced by the weather. So, one poor weather day could great diminish one's chances of seeing a better variety of seabirds. Although it is very rare for Monterey Bay trips to be weathered out, during the fall season, it is not uncommon for Bodega Bay or Half Moon Bay trips to be weathered out. Monterey Bay's half-moon shape offers it some protection from the prevailing northwesterly winds. No such protection is available for trips that depart from Bodega Bay or Half Moon Bay. So, it is always best to back these trips up with a second trip, at a minimum. Booking trips that depart from several different ports is also a good idea. Seabirds tend to distribute themselves along the central coast. Monterey will always remain our "standard" pelagic trip, though. Keep following this blog to find out why!

Please note, as has been the case in the past ten years, our August 8 trip to the Farallon Islands is SOLD OUT. The following trips from Half Moon Bay have been canceled: Aug 1; Sep 19 and Oct 10.

The following are stand alone trips with spaces available:

July 31: **Half Moon Bay

Aug 6: Monterey Bay

Oct 17: Monterey Bay

**Indicates trips that have a high chance of finding COOK'S PETRELS. The August 13 & 15 pelagic trips from Fort Bragg offer the best chance in North America for finding HAWAIIAN PETREL. Second best chance for Hawaiian Petrel is the August 11 pelagic trip from Bodega Bay. See upcoming blog posts for more information about these species.

Below are some suggested itineraries.

BODEGA BAY TO FORT BRAGG TRIP

Aug 10: Overnight Bodega Bay, shore birding in the harbor

Aug 11: **Bodega Canyon & Cordell Bank pelagic trip, night in Bodega Bay

Aug 12: Birding Highway 1 from Bodega Bay to Fort Bragg- excellent birding (see future post), overnight in Fort Bragg

Aug 13: **Fort Bragg pelagic: Hawaiian Petrel & Offshore- the single best place in North America to see this Hawaiian Petrel, overnight Fort Bragg

Aug 14: Birding around the Fort Bragg & Mendocino area- excellent birding for Mountain Quail, Dusky Grouse, Pygmy Owl, Gray Jay (see future post), overnight in Fort Bragg

Aug 15: **Fort Bragg pelagic: Hawaiian Petrel & Offshore, overnight in Fort Bragg

Aug 16: Birding en route to return to SFO.

MONTEREY BAY, HALF MOON BAY, BODEGA BAY & RETURN TO HALF MOON BAY

The set of trips below comprise the period that I believe is the TOP TEN DAYS OF SEABIRDING ALONG THE CENTRAL COAST OF CALIFORNIA.

Sep 8: arrive Monterey, overnight Monterey

Sep 9: Monterey Seavalley pelagic trip, overnight Monterey

Sep 10: Monterey Bay pelagic trip, overnight Monterey

Sep 11: **Albacore Grounds: Offshore Monterey, overnight Monterey

Sep 12: Monterey Bay pelagic trip, overnight Half Moon Bay

Sep 13: **Half Moon Bay pelagic trip, overnight Half Moon Bay

Sep 14: Birding along Route 1, could include Point Reyes, en route to Bodega Bay, overnight Bodega Bay

Sep 15: Bodega Canyon & Cordell Bank, overnight Bodega Bay

Sep 16: Birding Point Reyes, overnight Half Moon Bay

Sep 17: Half Moon Bay pelagic trip, overnight Half Moon Bay

Sep 18: Half Moon Bay pelagic trip.

Sep 19: Depart for home, SFO.

MONTEREY BAY BIRD FESTIVAL PERIOD: SEP 23- 27

The Monterey Bay Birding Festival, headquartered in Watsonville, will be held during this period. Please see their web site for more information and registration:

http://www.montereybaybirding.org/

Shearwater Journeys is the official pelagic trip operator for the festival. Trips are scheduled for:

Sep 23: Monterey Bay, overnight in Monterey or Watsonville, if attending the festival

Sep 24: Storm-Petrel Study Tour on Monterey Bay, overnight as above

Sep 25: Monterey Seavalley, overnight as above

Sep 26: Monterey Bay, overnight in Monterey, or Half Moon Bay

Sep 27: Half Moon Bay: Offshore

MONTEREY/HALF MOON BAY

Oct 1: arrive, birding Half Moon Bay, overnight Half Moon Bay

Oct 2: Half Moon Bay pelagic trip, overnight Monterey

Oct 3: Monterey Bay: Storm-Petrel Study Tour, overnight Monterey

Oct 4: birding the Monterey area, flights home

MONTEREY/HALF MOON BAY

Oct 8: arrive and birding Monterey area, overnight Monterey

Oct 9: Monterey Seavalley pelagic trip, overnight Monterey

Oct 10: birding Monterey, Moss Landing, Highway 1 to Half Moon Bay

Oct 11: Half Moon Bay pelagic trip

Oct 12: return flights

SOME MOTEL SUGGESTIONS: Please note that I do not receive any commissions from motel suggestions. These are presented for your convenience.

THE INN AT THE TIDES

In Bodega Bay, I have made arrangements for an excellent discount for birders. The Shearwater Journeys' rate is $109 per night + tax. This is a great place to stay. You must ask for the SJ discount, specifically, when booking. Phone: 800-541-7788.

MONTEREY MOTELS

There are many, many motels to choose from on the Monterey Peninsula, from Motel 6 in Marina, on up. Most motels on Munras Avenue are close enough to Fisherman's Wharf that driving time is only a few minutes. For excellent birding right out the front door of your room, there is nothing like staying in Pacific Grove. The many Monterey pines and cypress trees are great for seeing chestnut-backed chickadees, pygmy nuthatches and acorn woodpeckers.

HALF MOON BAY MOTELS

Places that have been recommended to me are:

Holiday Inn Express

Comfort Inn

Days Inn

FORT BRAGG MOTEL

Super 8 Motel

Phone: 800-206-9833

Have fun planning your trip!

Shearwaters forever,

Debi Shearwater

TRIP REPORT: SEP 20, 2009: BODEGA BAY

Howdy, Seabirders,

This is a trip report for Shearwater Journeys' pelagic trip departing from Bodega Bay on September 20, 2009. A huge sea surface temperature break, ranging from the low 50s to 61 F beyond the 1500 fathom curve, was found. We reached 61F offshore at 1300 fathoms, our target spot, where we put out a large chum slick. The LONG-TAILED JAEGER show continued, but the much hoped for Pterodromas did not show up. We returned to our mini-slick at the north end of Cordell Bank, but the much hoped for Short-tailed (Steller's) Albatross did not show up. For a significant portion of the day, fog hampered our visibility. Like a veil, the fog lifted as we neared the 100 fathom line. It was here that we found five BLUE WHALES lunge feeding at the surface on krill. It was a spectacular, sublime ending to the day, watching the blues feeding in the brilliant sunshine. Little butterball CASSIN'S AUKLETS were so stuffed with krill that they could not lift off the water to fly away!


Image by Mark Rauzon, copyright, 2009.


Many thanks to all of our passengers who traveled to join our trip. The leaders on board were: Peter Pyle, Lisa Hug, Scott Terrill, Linda Terrill, Oscar Johnson, Wes Fritz, Todd McGrath, and Debi Shearwater. Thanks to Wes Friz for his magical chumming and to Oscar Johnson for tallying the county lists for Marin and Sonoma Counties.



The complete species list follows.

20 SEPTEMBER 2009 BODEGA BAY SHEARWATER JOURNEYS' PELAGIC TRIP:
Sonama/Marin/Total

RED-THROATED LOON- 2/0/2
PACIFIC LOON- 2/0/2
COMMON LOON- 5/0/5
WESTERN GREBE- 10/0/10
BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS- 15/11/26
NORTHERN FULMAR- 9/6/15
PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER- 16/18/34
BULLER'S SHEARWATER- 0/3/3
SOOTY SHEARWATER- 17/17/34
WILSON'S STORM-PETREL- 0/1/1
FORK-TAILED STORM-PETREL- 0/1/1
ASHY STORM-PETREL- 2/17/19
BROWN PELICAN- 6/0/6
BRANDT'S CORMORANT- 35/0/35
DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT- 3/0/3
PELAGIC CORMORANT- 15/0/15
SURF SCOTER- 2/0/2
BLACK TURNSTONE- 0/1 (offshore)/1
RED KNOT- 5/0/5
RED-NECKED PHALAROPE- 50/3/53
RED PHALAROPE- 250/6/256
SOUTH POLAR SKUA- 0/5/5
POMARINE JAEGER- 2/7/9
PARASITIC JAEGER- 0/2/2
LONG-TAILED JAEGER- 0/31/31
JAEGER SP. -0/2/2
CALIFORNIA GULL- 25/55/80
WESTERN GULL- 125/20/145
SABINE'S GULL- 0/11/11
COMMON TERN- 1/0/1
ARCTIC TERN- 0/6/6
COMMON MURRE- 300/4/304
PIGEON GUILLEMOT- 8/0/8
CASSIN'S AUKLET- 800/0/800
RHINOCEROS AUKLET- 11/18/29
CALIFORNIA SEA LION- +
STELLER'S SEA LION- 1
FUR SEAL SP.- 1
HARBOR SEAL- +
MINKE WHALE- 1
BLUE WHALE- 5
HUMPBACK WHALE- 1
DALL'S PORPOISE- 2
OCEAN SUNFISH- 2
BLUE SHARK- 2
SALMON SHARK- 12

Shearwaters forever,
Debi