Overcast with some rain later in the day.
After report of a possible eider seen near Vitskari a couple of times over the past few days, I was able to get out with Paul and Brooke for a look around on the sound.
Although it was calm at the house, as I walked down towards the harbor around 12:30, I noticed a bit of breeze.
With the wind at the harbor, we weren’t sure we would make it out, but decided to at least take a look.
Paul opted to go around towards Eastern Channel than out to the sound. It was reasonably calm into Eastern Channel and beyond, so we continued on.
We passed a group of Ancient Murrelets (#174) not too far out from Kayak Island.
Heading out towards Vitskari, we saw a few scattered Common Murres and three shearwaters did a flyby. I suspect they were Short-tailed Shearwaters, but it’s hard for me to be sure. I tried unsuccessfully for photos.
Near Vitskari we saw cormorants (mostly on the island), a few scattered Cassin’s Auklets, and a four Long-tailed Ducks.
Although there was not much swell, out this far there was enough wind-blown waves that it was somewhat difficult to look around and even moreso to take photos.
I did try to get pictures of a mystery alcid. I think it was probably a Cassin’s Auklet, but it seemed dark and I didn’t see white around eye though I only had a short and not great look.
We did not see the eider.
It doesn’t look like I’ll be able to make it out tomorrow, and the weather for later in the week is not promising.
I got a report of a Short-eared Owl in vicinity of the airport but forgot to check around dusk today.
There was another American Tree Sparrow reported today. It seems likely to be at least the 3rd or 4th individual this year.
My iNaturalist Observations for Today
