FIVE SAN DIEGO BOOBIES
23 Nov 2009
San Diego -- Nine Mile Bank
Dave Povey Report
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By Dave Povey
I took Jay Keller, Matt Sadowski and Lea Squires out for a boat ride Monday, 11/23/09. We saw five Brown Boobies along the 9-mile Bank in San Diego waters, 3 at the 178 at the same time. A near adult female at the top of the Nine Mile Bank, and an adult male nearer the border. All seemed to be following the numerous Common Dolphin pods (8-10 pods for 700-800 animals) moving around those areas.
Cassin’s Auklets - the most I remember ever seeing in San Diego waters - at least 1500 in somewhat tough viewing conditions. We saw them all the way from the south end of Torrey Pines to the Coronado Canyon. from two miles out to as far offshore as we got, 10-12 n. miles. Most were on the Mexican side of the border (75-80%) but I'd say there were 80-90 around La Jolla Canyon, and birds were scattered from there all the way out and south.
475-500 Bonaparte’s Gulls appeared to be feeding on the same thing (krill?) as the auklets which were fat and happy. Different year for Rhinoceros Auklets - only (2) - both on the Mexican side.
Fair number of Northern Fulmars (15-20) that species not doing as well, one found dead, Matt and Lea reported they have seen others washed up on the beach.
Still a few Pink-footed Shearwaters (5-9), relatively few Black-vented Shearwater (200-300), and some Red Phalaropes (20) all on the Mexican side.
Good numbers of south bound loons, most Pacific (80-100), but all three species noted.
Great looks at a group of Fin Whales, two of which came over to check out the boat for very close looks! The water offshore remains slightly warmer than one would expect for mid November 62-65 degrees F. Swell 4-6 ft, winds, near calm to 10 knots p.m., clear with bright sun. air temps 60's and 70"s. 67 n miles traveled.
Red-throated Loon 1
Pacific Loon 90
Common Loon 6
Northern Fulmar 15
Pink-footed Shearwater 7
Black-vented Shearwater 250
Brown Booby 5
Red Phalarope 20
Bonaparte's Gull 475
Pomarine Jaeger 1
Cassin's Auklet 1,500
Rhinoceros Auklet 2 (Mexico)
Fin Whale 6
Common Dolphin 750
Pacific White-sided Dolphin - a few small pods
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