Hi All,

It is once again that time of year again where I am starting to run my annual spring pelagics for the third consecutive year. I am happy to announce that to start the spring pelagic season off, I will be leading aMay7thpelagic out of BodegaBayto Bodega Canyon, Cordell Bank and possibly the Continental Shelf (assuming weather permits). Thetrip will be on the New Sea Angler (65 ft. Coast Guard approved vessel) with Captain Rick Powers,a 40+ year veteran of the open ocean and someone who has been runningpelagic trips for close to four decades.The goal will be to get offshore as quickly as possiblein order to maximize time for spring specialities such as MURPHY'S, HAWAIIAN, and COOK'S PETRELS all of which we were able to see on the May 8th boat last spring! Among the very appealing petrels should also be a variety of offshorebirdsheadednorthto the Arctic to breed including jaegers, terns and phalaropes as well as species are Leach's Storm-Petrels, Laysan Albatrosses (we had 8 on one boat last May), Parakeet Auklets (a species we were able to see two years), any species of booby and of course we always hope to find a Short-tailed Albatross. Spring is a time of year not often covered by pelagic boats so who knows what wemaydiscover out there.

If you would like to sign up, please let me know privately at lucascorneliussen04@... . The cost of the trip will be$160per person.

Good Birding,

Lucas Corneliussen

Calbirds et al.

Thanks for sending out the info Don. We are heading out tomorrow out of Monterey and the plan is to go to the area where the Short-tailed was last seen.
https://www.alvarosadventures.com/pelagic-dates-2022.html

As a belated trip report, last Friday (19th) was superbly good out of Monterey. We were able to see a lot of diversity, as well as rarities - Hawaiian Petrel, Nazca Booby (adult), and Baird's Beaked Whales for the cetacean enthusiasts.
As well, more Ashy and Black storm-petrels than we have had for years in Monterey Bay, Tufted Puffin, lots of Black-footed Albatross, great views of many Buller's Shearwaters in with the more common species, all three jaegers and a nice assortment of the expected alcids. A super day out, one of the best Monterey days in years for us. So we hope that tomorrow is another good day offshore.

As well, we have a research permit now that allows us to use fish/squid chum in limited circumstances in the marine sanctuaries. This has taken some time for us to secure and will be helpful in trying to find storm-petrel concentrations (one of the key aims), and certainly unusual shearwaters and other tubenoses. But note that the rules are clear that we cannot chum near a Short-tailed Albatross (Endangered Species).

Alvaro

Alvaro Jaramillo
alvaro@...
www.alvarosadventures.com

Tom et al. -- there are no specific chase trips organized, but Monterey Seabirds has a full slate of Sep-Oct trips over the coming weekends; see their schedule and sign up details at
https://www.montereyseabirds.com/

In addition, Alvaro Adventures has multiple pelagic trips from various ports this fall, several from Monterey; see
https://www.alvarosadventures.com/pelagic-dates-2022.html

Thanks, Don

Will there be any pelagic trips looking for this bird, andif so, how do I sign up Tom

Thomas Geza Miko
Claremont, LA County
909.241.3300

Third-hand information from a Moss Landing boat captain, relayed by Rick Fournier (thanks!), states that the Short-tailed Albatross with the injured wing, first seen off southern CA last summer and first arriving in Monterey Bay on 15 Sep 2021, was seen again yesterday about 6 miles off Moss Landing. This individual is now in its 3rd year of life; it is called Alpha in the discussion linked below
http://creagrus.home.montereybay.com/CAbirdsSTAL.html

It is getting close its full-year anniversary on Monterey Bay

Thanks, Don Roberson

A photo-heavy page with a review and analysis of records of the endangered Short-tailed Albatross on Monterey Bay and vicinity from July 2021 to July 2022 is now available at

http://creagrus.home.montereybay.com/CAbirdsSTAL.html

I very much appreciate the efforts of photographers, whale watch operators and naturalists, editors, and others in helping to put together this review

Thanks, Don Roberson
Monterey County bird records compiler

Hi All,

To start the Spring pelagic season off, I will be leading a May 8th pelagic out of Bodega Bay to Bodega Canyon, Cordell Bank and possibly the Continental Shelf (assuming weather permits). Thetrip will be on the New Sea Angler (65 ft. Coast Guard approved vessel) with Captain Rick Powers,a 40+ year veteran of the open ocean and someone who has been runningpelagic trips for over three decades. The goal will be to get offshore as quickly as possiblein order to maximize time for spring specialities such as Hawaiian Petrel, Cook's Petrel and a variety of offshore birdsheaded north to the Arctic to breed. Other possibilities are Leach's Storm-Petrel, Parakeet Auklet (a species we were able to see last year around this time), Murphy's Petrel (another species we saw this time last year), any species of booby and of course we always hope to find a Short-tailed Albatross. Spring is a time of year not often covered by pelagic boats so who knows what we may discover out there.

Compared to last spring, wind has been quite mild this year so Rick and I are much more hopeful of running these boats than we were last year andwe think that this trip could be quite calm. That said, if you are interested, please let me know ASAP. The cost of the trip will be $150 per person.

Good Birding,

Lucas Corneliussen

Hi All

to start off the Spring pelagic season off, I will be leading a February 13th pelagic out of Bodega Bay, Sonoma County to Bodega Canyon (SON. County) Cordell Bank (MRN County) possibly the Continental Shelf (assuming weather permits). Thetrip will be on the New Sea Angler (65 ft. Coast Guard approved vessel) with Captain Rick Powers,a 40+ year veteran of the open ocean and someone who has been runningpelagic trips for over three decades. The goal will be to get offshore as quickly as possiblein order to maximize time for winter specialities such as Short-tailed Shearwater, Flesh-footed Shearwater and HOPEFULLY a Short-tailed Albatross . Other possibilities are Leach's Storm-Petrel, Parakeet Auklet (a species seen last winter on several Rockfishsurvey boats), Mottled Petrel, Horned Puffin, Thick-billed Murre (recently seen in Mendocino County) and any species of booby. Late-winter is a time of year not often covered by pelagic boats so who knows what we may discover out there.

Compared to last winter, wind has been quite mild this winter so Rick and I are much more hopeful of running these boats than we were last year andwe think that this trip could be quite calm. That said, if you are interested, please let me know ASAP. The cost of the trip will be $145 per person.

Good Birding,

Lucas Corneliussen

Hello all, We had a narrow weather window yesterday to get offshore and see a few birds and cetaceans. Wind after the front on Thursday was to decline on Friday and into Saturday, and so were the swells. Swells were big and mean on Friday, but by Saturday they had switched to big but rounded, well-spaced. We went out with an eye to the winds to our north, as we knew the wind shifts would happen north to south. As such, we were able to enjoy a rain free, and very diverse day offshore. The fun began close to shore where we found some foraging shearwaters, pelicans and gulls. In there we were elated to see a Manx Shearwater, and folks on the bow a little later said there were two. One on the right and one on the left of the boat. However, we were able to photograph only one. A bird in molt. Crazy, but it was just beyond the 5 mile distance from my house. Almost in reach for my home patch list. Here are the photos: https://ebird.org/checklist/S96591196 A tad farther out we found some Humpback Whales, more Pink-footed and Sooty shearwaters, then a very nice Bullers Shearwater; Bob Toleno and Chris Hayward saw a Short-tailed Shearwater at this time. After missing them for most of the migration, today all phalaropes out there were Reds. I expect that some will be found on shore tomorrow after the storm passes, I did see one today (Sunday) at Pillar Point marsh. Continuing on our voyage we worked our way out along the Pioneer Canyon, with a short glimpse of Ashy Storm-Petrel, and several Northern Fulmars. These looked fresh, unlike the few remaining over-summering youngsters which are patchy looking. Likely these were migrants. Heading south from the Pioneer, we found an amazing concentration of marine mammals with a big pod of Rissos Dolphins, mixed in with Pacific White-sided Dolphins, and some amazing views (right below the boat) of Northern Right Whale Dolphins. While we were looking here and waiting, a storm petrel flew by in bad light, first thought that it was a Black but the white rump shape clarified it was Leachs! This is a very tough species to see around here, a great find; minutes later a Black Storm-Petrel was seen. Then someone alerted me to a fur seal right by our boat, and amazingly it was the rare Guadalupe Fur Seal! Several folks obtained great photos of the distinctive head shape that separates it from the Northern Fur Seal. It is difficult to confirm this species at sea, they are perhaps more common now than ever as the population has increased. Then all heck broke loose minutes later when a Laysan Albatross flew right by the boat for amazing photos, and cheers from a boat full of happy birders. Several Black-footed Albatross were seen earlier. So much happened during this stretch. We also had one or maybe even two, Short-tailed Shearwaters come through at this time. These birds were all in San Francisco county. In total, we found five species of Shearwater, 3 storm petrels, and 2 albatross Not bad at all. Photos here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S96642277 We began to return to port, often at this time the surprises are done. But this time we stumbled on a South Polar Skua, after thinking we had missed that for the day (Pomarine and Parasitic jaegers were seen as well). Yet it was in the harbor that we found the final amazing bird of the day was the Northern Gannet sitting right on the break wall for the best looks I have ever had of that bird. Just fantastic! The photos of the gannet are outstanding - https://ebird.org/checklist/S96623361 The late season pelagic species showed up. It was a superb pelagic, unfortunately we did not find a Flesh-foot but I think we are saving that one for the next trip. We are doing our final pelagic of the season on November 13. Our hopes for a Laysan Albatross happened for this weekend, and in general late season is good for them. I always hope for Short-tailed Albatross of course, and November has produced them in the past. We shall see what turns up. If you are interested, we have approximately 6 spots left: https://www.alvarosadventures.com/pelagic-dates-2021.html see you out there. This has been an amazing pelagic season so far, and we hope that our last trip of 21 will provide some nice sightings. Alvaro Jaramillo alvaro@... www.alvarosadventures.com

Hello all, It started very slow, thick fog, no birds. It took forever to see our first Sooty Shearwater. But once we were at the Pioneer Canyon, Sabines, Bullers Shearwater, jaegers, Black Storm-Petrel, they all started to show up. It was calm and windless, and the fog lifted giving great visibility. It was an unusual day in many respects, the calm weather was one, but also the fact that there was warm (61F water) that was blue-green. A distant murrelet (likely Scrippss) started our murrelet searches. In the end we saw 16 murrelets including all that we identified as Scrippss or were too distant to identify. Additionally two Guadalupe Murrelets were in the Pioneer Canyon (SF county) https://ebird.org/checklist/S95041081 Guadalupe Murrelet is among the rarest of the worlds alcids. Only 5000 breeding individuals are thought to exist, some put the population at 7500 total. They breed on offshore islands, and keep to warmer and deeper water than Scrippss Murrelets so are much less likely to be found on a pelagic than its close relative. As such, they are perhaps the hardest alcid to find in North America, and certainly worldwide it is not much easier. So we were elated to see two of them offshore. This species is Endangered. All three jaegers were found with an estimate of 8 South Polar Skuas, at one time two were together on the water. That is a lot of bird muscle out there! Hundreds of Sabines Gulls were offshore, basically all over the place. We topped it off with a big Black Storm-Petrel flock of two thousand approximately. Four species of storm-petrel were seen, the others were Ashy, Wilsons and Fork-tailed. Great views of Bullers Shearwaters wowed folks on the boat. We also may have seen at least one Guadalupe Fur Seal. If the warm water feel is what you are getting from this day, you would be right. It was unusual in that the ocean was dominated by a warmer/offshore water component that included many jumping tuna! We photographed a couple poorly, and saw some close by we think these were big Bluefin, not Albacore. Record numbers of offshore murrelets, along with the tuna, this was not a normal situation but a lucky one in water types we usually do not encounter here. To top it off, a Minke Whale was seen on our way back to port. And we started with wonderful views of Marbled Murrelets, and saw three Tufted Puffins on the trip. What a day to be out!!! We are sold out currently on available dates. But when I get a minute we will be adding two dates as the boat is available to do so. Both late season trips which should be good for albatross, Short-tailed and Flesh-footed shearwaters, and perhaps something unusual! The dates will be Oct 23 and Nov 13. We seldom get out there in November, this is a good date for Laysan Albatross and if we are to find an offshore and non-injured Short-tailed Albatross November might be the time. I will send out a message when we have the dates available on the website. You can email me ( alvaro@... ) if you want to be penciled in for either of those dates. Alvaro Alvaro Jaramillo alvaro@... www.alvarosadventures.com

USFWS created a blog about the Short-tailed Albatross which includes a few photos of our recent CA bird, the viewing guidelines and a bit of info on the species. Feel free to share widely. Thank you!
https://usfws.medium.com/dont-chum-the-albatross-3c29ce75b48a

Gerry McChesney

Please see below and forward to anyonewho might come into contact with the Short-tailed Albatross that has been lingering just off the California coast since at least June. Thank you.
Gerry McChesney U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

From: Boldenow, Megan L
< megan_boldenow@... >

Sent: Friday, September 17, 2021 12:26 PM
Subject: Update on the short-tailed albatross off the central California coast, with guidelines for low impact viewing

Dear All:

As you are likely aware, a juvenile short-tailed albatross has been sighted off the coast of California this summer, most recently in Central California. This bird is exciting news for the region, as short-tailed albatross breed in Japan and are not regular
visitors to California waters. The bird does have a metal ring on its leg; this is a band with a unique identifying number that will tell us more about the bird.
We believe it likely fledged from a colony on Torishima Island, in Japan.

This bird is also a federally listed endangered species, protected under federal law and managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service is monitoring the bird's status, with the help of local biologists, wildlife managers, and law enforcement personnel in state and federal agencies. Observers have noted
this bird has apparent damage to its flight feathers, suggesting it may have experienced some sort of line entanglement in its recent past. The bird is also undergoing natural wing molt at this time, which makes its feathers look a bit rough. At
this time, the bird exhibits what appears to be normal behavior for a young albatross; it is able to conduct a straight and balanced flight, is exhibiting normal preening behavior, and can find the typical food items it needs to stay healthy.

Species experts and managers agree that the best thing for this bird is to give it plenty of space to be a wild, young albatross.

Short-tailed albatross are high strung, sensitive birds that are not well acclimated to humans. These are heavy-bodied seabirds, and it is energetically taxing for them to run along the
water to move away, or to lift off the water into flight. Giving the bird plenty of space by maintaining the required distance will ensure we do not add to stress the bird may already be experiencing during a sensitive time (molting of feathers).

We are requesting the following help from the local community:

Should you observe the bird, please maintain a distance of 100 meters (330 feet) from the bird. This is an area roughly the length of a football field. Do not approach the bird head on with your vessel. Do not flush the bird for any reason. Do not chum or bait the bird to attract it, or otherwise feed the bird. Improper diet can negatively affect the bird's health. Ensure your fishing gear remains 100 meters (330 feet, or roughly a football field in length) from the bird.

This bird is a federally listed endangered species, and every bird matters. The Service is counting on the birding, fishing, maritime, and other communities to exercise good judgment and ensure your
actions do not affect the bird's behavior.

In addition to protecting the bird, these recommendations also protect you from violating federal law.

Short-tailed albatross are protected under the Endangered Species Act, which means it is illegal toharass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect this bird, or to attempt
to engage in any such conduct.Under the Act, harassme nt means an intentional or negligent act or omission which creates the likelihood of injury to wildlife by annoying it to such an extent
as to significantly disrupt normal behavioral patterns which include, but are not limited to, breeding, feeding, or sheltering.

The Service thanks you in advance for your help keeping this truly special endangered seabird safe in the wild. Please share this email widely.

Megan Boldenow
Fish and Wildlife Biologist

(she/her)

Anchorage
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

I acknowledge that I live on
the traditional lands of the Denaina Athabascans, and I work throughout the ancestral territory
of the Indigenous Peoples of Alaska . I
am grateful for their continued care and stewardship of this land.

Hi, I'm wondering if anybody has plans for a boat trip or to take a whale watching boat to try to see the refund short-tailed albatross in Monterey Bay that apparently is close to shore Please feel free to use reply all because others might also be interested.

Thomas Geza Miko
Claremont, LA County
909.241.3300

Hi all.

We did not find any mega rarities on our eight-hour pelagictrip aboard the Pt. Sur Clipper last Sunday (9/12) but we again had a steady stream of birds throughout the day, great looks at most species, and favorable weather conditions and sea state.
Buller's Shearwaters have been a bit erratic this year, the five-day Searcher trip didn't find any last week and neither did we on our previous two trips, but this time we hit the mother lode, over 150 birds. We also had at least one, but likelythree, Short-tailed Shearwaters, a species that appearsto be making its way down from the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska earlythis year. We had Sooty and Pink-footedShearwaters in good numbers and several cooperative Black-footed Albatrosses. Our only three storm-petrels were Ashys and we had a few NorthernFulmars.
The jaeger show was spectacular, especially Pomarine and Long-tailed Jaegers of which we had over a dozen aroundthe boat several times. The victims were mostly Sabine's Gulls this time as numbers of both Artic and Common Terns were lower than during previous trips. Numbers of California Gulls continue to increase. We found a few Cassin's Auklets, including a very cooperative one, as well as high numbers of the expected Rhinoceros Auklets and Common Murres. All phalaropes were Red-necked. And one pelagicTownsend'sWarbler was running the gauntlet of Western Gulls.
Thank you to co-leader Bill Hubick. In my last report, I forgot to thank co-leaders Eli Gross, Don Roberson, Mark Kudrav, and Joshua Stacy.
We have a couple of spots open on our eight-hour trip this coming Sunday and we have three more trips coming up in October, https://www.montereyseabirds.com/ . The Short-tailed Albatross was in the Bay on Wednesday, will it stick around
Take care,
Bernardo
--
Bernardo Alps
Wildlife Biologist California Whales & Wildlife www.photocetus.com
whalephoto@...
310.597.0449
P.O. Box 1667
San Pedro, CA 90733

Hi I have been discussing the two different four (4) hour boat trips that I've been on recently in search of the Short-tailed Albatross. One was last Sunday and the other was this Sunday. It looks like this albatross is staying around for a good while, perhaps for the whole summer, and it probably has a feeding circuit that it carries out. Four hours and only searching a couple of locations doesn't sound like enough time and energy to actually find the bird. The friend that I've been having these conversations with is a highly experienced birder with extensive sailing and navigation experience, along with an in-depth knowledge of the underwater geology of the coast. We are considering organizing a longer boat trip in the near future, if the albatross is sighted again by fishing boats. Such a trip would be designed to also give enough advanced warning for birders who want to fly in from other parts of the country to join us for the trip. I'm going to start working on the specifics of the logistics. Without having checked with the various companies that provide such voting services we are assuming that the cost would range somewhere between $100 and $200 per person, but every effort would be made to get the price as low possible. My friend stated that we would definitely need to bring fresh squid with us (He also said that we are not allowed to lure the bird away from whatever spot we find it at.) Please feel free to forward this email to any boat captains who are interested.
Thomas Geza Miko
Claremont, LA County
909.241.3300
"Tyranny is the deliberate removal of nuance."--Albert Maysles