September 17 Pelagic Highlights

Despite high winds, some rain, moderate swells and waves, our 8 hour pelagic made it 27 miles offshore, and saw low numbers of most expected species.  Highlights were Black-footed Albatross, Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel, Parasitic Jaeger, South Polar Skua, and the always charismatic Sabine's Gull. Ocean conditions made spotting alcids difficult, but we did have small numbers of Cassin's Auklet, Rhinoceros Auklet, and Marbled Murrelet. Animal highlights include great views of humpback whales and amazing views of the blue shark feeding in our chum slick.