November 25

Weather: The wind was brisk and from the NE at Pt. Pinos at dawn, dropping off somewhat over the course of the day. It was clear, visibility was quite good, and the swell was moderate. At the outer buoy, it was blowing NNE 13.6 at dawn; it switched to W, 8 knots, at 1300, and continue to come from the west until sunset. Pressure at sunrise was 30.20 and remained fairly even; at sunset it was 30.17.

Birds: NE winds are not good for Seawatch (nor for human comfort at Seawatch!), so today was quiet, especially considering that this is the window when we start expecting Pacific Loons to peak.

We had our season's first Cackling Geese - 2, flying towards Santa Cruz - and a flock of 7 Snow Geese, also flying towards Santa Cruz. We tallied 803 Surf Scoters today (and had 2 White-wings and 2 Black Scoters). A big Band-tailed Pigeon flock made a low foray over the Point this morning as they contemplated the bay crossing - delightful to see. For alcids, we had just 15 Rhinoceros Auklets, 526 Common Murres, and 9 Ancient Murrelets. We had 428 Red-throated Loons, 1317 Pacific Loons, and 4 Common Loons. Madison spotted our day's only kittiwake, ensuring the kittiwake streak (which began Nov 17) continues. We hope it keeps going; kittiwakes are great!

-Alison Vilag

eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/tripreport/436023

November 24

eBird Checklist: https://ebird.org/tripreport/436022

November 22

Weather: Calm and clear, with moderate swell and good visibility throughout the day.

Birds: As it so often is during a run of calm, clear days, it was a quiet--but pleasant--day at the Seawatch. We had 684 Surf Scoters--their flight certainly seems to be tapering, though we had some nice, close sunset-hour flocks, which are always an exciting bit of visible migration for birders and nonbirders alike.

We had 134 Red-throated Loons, 1791 Pacific Loons, and 13 Common Loons; the Pacific Loon flight in the morning was primarily on the bay-cutting (but not far outer) line; in afternoon most flocks were birds passing in front of us as they flew out of the bay.

Though it was quiet in regard to tubenoses and alcids, we had some highlights: a Marbled Murrelet and an Ancient Murrelet flew past, kelpline distance, and together for a comparison I don't think any of us had gotten before! The Marbled looked especially long-winged; the dark underwings and white on scapulars were very apparent, while the Ancient's short bill, lighter underwings, and blue-gray back also stood out. Several close Short-tailed Shearwaters found themselves into our fields of view. Bill spotted a wonderful, close Pomarine Jaeger that still had its spooners. And the kittiwake streak continues--we had one today.

-Alison Vilag

eBird Checklist: https://ebird.org/tripreport/435443