Howdy, Seabirders,
Time is running out to sign up for Shearwater Journeys' COOK'S PETREL EXPRESS & ALBATROSSES pelagic trips departing from Half Moon Bay on July 30, 31 and August 1. Half Moon Bay is probably the best port in northern California to search for Cook's Petrels. These petrels have been increasing in numbers since the eradication of rats from their breeding islands in New Zealand. Please read the trip report for Shearwater Journeys' JULY 31, 2010 Half Moon Bay trip. Unlike last year, however, we do not have any current offshore reports due to the budget cuts to NOAA cruises. Peter Pyle and Abe Borker reported astounding numbers of Cook's Petrels from the Davidson Seamount in 2010. However, I have no doubt that the birds are out there! Weather conditions permitting, we will head offshore to search for these enigmatic pterodromas.
Please note that many other seabirds were also seen on the July 31, 2010 Half Moon Bay trip. Among the highlights were: LAYSAN and BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSSES; PINK-FOOTED and SOOTY SHEARWATERS; NORTHERN FULMARS; ASHY STORM-PETRELS; RED and RED-NECKED PHALAROPES; SOUTH POLAR SKUA; POMARINE and LONG-TAILED JAEGERS; SABINE'S GULLS; ARCTIC TERNS; COMMON MURRES; PIGEON GUILLEMOTS; MARBLED MURRELETS; CASSIN'S and RHINOCEROS AUKLETS; TUFTED PUFFIN. Cetaceans included: BLUE and HUMPBACK WHALES; NORTHERN RIGHT WHALE DOLPINS; PACIFIC WHITE-SIDED DOLPHINS and HARBOR PORPOISE.
The following extremely experienced leaders are scheduled to lead the fall season kick off pelagic trips:JULY 30: Scott Terrill, Linda Terrill, Todd McGrath, Jon Feenstra, Tristan McKee, Wes Fritz & Debi Shearwater
JULY 31: Scott Terrill, Linda Terrill, Todd McGrath, Jon Feenstra, Tristan McKee, Wes Fritz & Debi Shearwater
AUGUST 1: Joe Morlan, Todd McGrath, Jon Feenstra, Tristan McKee, Wes Fritz.
For those folks who are "County Birders" which is a growing group in California, note that Cook's Petrels were found in both SAN MATEO and SAN FRANCISCO COUNTIES, in 2010.
For those folks who are "County Birders" which is a growing group in California, note that Cook's Petrels were found in both SAN MATEO and SAN FRANCISCO COUNTIES, in 2010. It just doesn't get any better than this!
Pterodromas forever,
Debi Shearwater
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