From frolicking SEA OTTERS just outside the harbor—
to BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSSES just off Point Pinos within the first hour of the day
watching BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSSES folding their wings upon landing behind the vessel
to the blow of a mighty BLUE WHALE, the largest animal that has ever lived on Earth
to tiny CASSIN'S AUKLETS which feed on krill just like the blue whale
to the very curious looking OCEAN SUNFISH, Mola Mola
and PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS shearing the ocean surface with their wings
and nearly 50 HUMPBACK WHALES
flocks of SABINE'S GULLS lifting off the sea
and the juvenile LONG-TAILED JAEGERS which chase them
juvenile LONG-TAILED JAEGER right over our heads
male POMARINE JAEGERS that chase all of them
cruising in attack mode
RISSO'S DOLPHINS nearshore
feeding on the abundant squid
to the just-arrived from southern California, BLACK-VENTED SHEARWATERS
it was simply an amazing day of nonstop marine action with all players present— Monterey seabirds, marine mammals and interesting fish! What's next?
COMMENTS FROM ONE PARTICIPANT:
Just wanted to say thank you for a fantastic pelagic trip this past Friday! What an amazing journey, with whales, dolphins and porpoises as an added bonus. The sight of a blue whale in the wild is something I will always treasure. You and the crew are a class act, constantly working hard to get on the birds and answer questions. I had read your praises in the writings of Big Year bloggers like Dorian Anderson and Olaf Danielson, and they were spot on in their compliments. In the days leading up to the trip, I had hoped for a couple of Black-footed Albatross. Like others, I was floored when they surrounded the boat!
Yes, you are the best in the business, and I will happily recommend Shearwater Journeys to fellow birders. Keep up the great work, and thanks again.
C. B. — Redondo Beach, California
THANK YOU, ONE AND ALL!
To read the full trip report for August 26, 2016, click here.
I HOPE YOU ENJOY THESE IMAGES BY BETH HAMEL
All images, copyright, Beth Hamel
Check the SHEARWATER JOURNEYS' SCHEDULE for lots of upcoming trips during September!
Living the Salt Life,
Debi Shearwater
debi@shearwaterjourneys.com
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