Overcast conditions made photgraphy difficult, but still a very fine trip. Leaders and particpants alike were enthusiastic and happy to share their knowledge of these amazing birds and animals, and this out-of-towner saw 10 lifers in one day. It was good to see these new birds, some of whom roam the Pacific as far as New Zealand, but I think I enjoyed the “ordinary” birds just as much: the gulls hanging in the wind off the stern, jockeying for position as they waited for the next morsel of chum to be thrown into the wake. I watched one adult Western Gull pull on the tail feathers of the young gull flying close in front, who then lost his pole position as he struggled to remain airborne.

Oh, and the whales came so close, we smelled whale breath...

*** Read Roger Wolfe's Trip Report here.