A private pelagic trip

I organized and led over 160 pelagic trips from Oregon in 20 years starting in 1994. Recently, I heard from a former regular passenger, Kit, that she was visiting her son in San Diego. Kit's son has a boat and she wanted me to plot out a course and help with bird ID. And she invited Marlene to come with me. Sounds like fun!

So it was I found myself aboard the vessel Reel Science on July 21.

Marlene (left) and Kit (right) on the flying bridge.

We got a fairly late start, with some family and friends arriving later than others. By 9:00 am, though, we were underway and looking at birds on the bait docks. That included this Great Egret.

We escorted through the bay by a Bottlenose Dolphin.

As we were going out, the aircraft carrier Nimitz was coming in!

Just offshore, we passed the USS San Diego.

Nearing the Nine Mile Bank we found a large pod of Common Dolphins. This one made quite an impressive leap!

Soon we spotted Black Storm-Petrels. This is one of my better shots of this bird that doesn't approach too near the boats.

Another view.

The dark under wing linings of this black-and-white murrelet confirm its identity as Craveri's Murrelet.

There were many small patches of kelp paddies floating offshore. Nearly each one had an accompaniment of Red-necked Phalaropes, just back from nesting in the Arctic.

Closer to shore a Brandt's Cormorant flew near the boat.

Brown Pelicans were also common near shore and in the bay.

Elegant Terns were our companions throughout the trip.

Marlene found a comfortable perch to enjoy her day at sea.

Passing out San Diego Bay in the morning always starts with a view of Point Loma

Sailboat silhouette

Sail boats in San Diego Bay

What a fun day. Thanks Kit!