Since we are back in open waters we watch for sea birds after meeting up with our shipmates, Bill and Chris. They were birders from the UK and we spent quite some time watching the birds and glaciers together.
Most of the birds braving the rain and winds were Sooty Shearwaters.
They sometimes congregated in large flocks in search of food.
Sometimes a single bird would head in to join the group.
At last look at this Pacific wander. Nice to have them along for the trip.
Other birds began to fly by. I was glad to get a pretty good shot of Rhinoceros Auklets skimming the waves. I got a shot in the near dark 5 years ago at Ocean Shores but without help I couldn't have ID'd it. This shot leaves no doubt.
Although an on-board guide told us that we shouldn't get our hopes up to see a Tufted Puffin on the trip, those of us watching carefully saw many. The first were spotted while eating breakfast and then we had more today.
Cute even when in flight in low light.
I saw a Common Murre earlier on the trip, I couldn't get a shot. Fortunately another showed up bobbing in the waves and was spooked into flight as the ship approached.
Back off the water and across the waves.
Thanks to the keen eyes of Bill, a new Lifer made the list. A Fork-tailed Storm Petrel flying right by the Murre!
Apparently fairly common around these parts, this small bird would have definitely escaped my detection. Thanks for the extra help, Bill! Happy travels. Nice hanging out with you two.
We enter the calmer waters heading back to port overnight but not before seeing a nice lighthouse along the way.
A fabulous first cruising experience. However, there are still two more days in Washington for a family reunion and more opportunities to find birds before we head home. Next up: Port Orchard and Bainbridge Island!
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