The only thing I would add to this report is that the marine mammals show was exceptional. Not just multiple close in Blue Whales, but two species of dolphin, Elephant Seals,and  a rare Guadalupe Fur Seal among others. Although that is not the focus of these birding trips, their presents and location creates an opportunity for pelagic birders that would like a short excursion offshore, the whale watch boats!

The Blue Whales are on the Nine Mile Bank, and just off the edge to the west. This puts those whale watching boats right in the area where we were seeing the Craveri's and Scripps's Murrelets. Again these are whale watching boats, so expect them to ignore sea birds, and chase mammals. That's their job, but that doesn't stop you from looking.

The whale watch boats are short trips of usually 3 hours, and relatively inexpensive ( look for coupons money off ).

Unfortunately the word is out, so they can be crowded, many take a hundred or more folks. I notice some list FULL for some dates.

There are multiple whale watch operations out of both San Diego and Mission Bays. 

We use and recommend Legacy at www.sdwhale.com.  There are several others.

BTW, although the July16th. pelagic birding trip is currently full.  If you wish to go, I would encourage you to call Seaforth Landing 619 224 3383 and go onto a waiting list. Someone will drop off the trip between now and then.

All of our trips are posted at www.sandiegopelagics.com.

Good Birding

Dave Povey

Dulzura