Albatross-cam

Seabird enthusiasts are sure to find an article published in October 2009 very interesting.

The complete article on the web is entitled: "From the Eye of the Albatross: a Bird-Borne Camera Shows an Association between Albatrosses and a Killer Whale in the Southern Ocean.

Figure 1 shows several photographs from the camera attached to this Black-browed Albatross showing it following behind other albatrosses in flight, an encounter with a Killer Whale, approaching a fishing vessel, and flying near an iceberg.

Neat stuff!

Another Brown Booby from Oregon

Perhaps missed in the excitement of the Coos Bay Brown Booby from October 28 to November 28+, was another report of Brown Booby in November. Phil Pickering did a seawatch on a blustery day at Boiler Bay, about 100 miles north of Coos Bay. While the Coos Bay Brown Booby was still being reported there, Phil spotted another female-plumaged Brown Booby on November 22, 2009 from Boiler Bay.

Pickering's report was:

"Seen briefly in front of squall <1/2 mile at ~9:20, drifting slowly S 40-50 feet above the water over a small feeding group of Pelicans/gulls. Recognized immediately by unmistakable shape - 2/3 size of Pelican with long comparatively slender body, long neck, long evenly tapered bill, and very long obviously wedge-shaped dark tail. Upperparts entirely dark brown, belly white, complete solidly dark brown hood extending to lower breast, sharply delineated from white belly. Underwing/bill color didn't register."

Amazingly, during this same seawatch, a Laysan Albatross also soared by about 1 mile offshore. This is species is rarely reported from shore.

Bird finding: Rock Sandpiper

A Rock Sandpiper poses for photos on a barnacle-encrusted jetty rock at Tillamook's Barview Jetty. Photo 17 January 2009 by Greg Gillson.

One highly sought after bird on the Oregon coast is Rock Sandpiper. "Is it too early to see one?" is a question I hear from many fall pelagic participants.

Rock Sandpipers have been recorded as early as late August. The latest departure date has been mid May. So, no, it's not too early in August or September. It's just not likely. Most birds are found along the Oregon coast from late October into March.

Habitat requirements are fairly stringent and not always safely birded. This slate-colored bird works the rocky intertidal zone, blending in with its habitat inches above the crashing surf.

On the central Oregon coast is perhaps one of the more reliable places to find this bird, just 10 miles south of Newport at Seal Rock State Wayside. The best place to try is 1/4 mile south of the park entrance at a pullout overlooking some large rocks at the end of the beach.


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This area is best at high tide, when the rocks farther offshore are submerged and the birds are forced closer to shore. It is possible for the agile to clamber down the rocks to the beach, but this is not recommended--especially if the rocks are wet.

Another place to look is on the north coast at Barview Jetty, the north jetty of Tillamook Bay. Drive through Barview Jetty Park (no fee needed). The jetty at low tide is sometimes navigable for a ways. Again, the footing on wet rocks is treacherous. Sneaker waves could sweep across the jetty at any time. If seas are particularly rough, the birds may actually be up the bay slightly, near the Coast Guard tower. The bird photographed above was located as indicated on the map below.


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There are two strategies to use to see these birds. First, they often loosely associate with flocks of Surfbirds and Black Turnstones. Watch for them to all fly out occasionally as they are wont to do. Then look for the smaller Dunlin-like bird flying out with them.

Secondly, scan along with the incoming waves. These birds feed right along the waterline and the waves often flush them a few feet up the jetty rocks before the wave passes and they scurry down again.