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