[obol] 4 day San DiegoPelagic(DRPetrel), other So Cal birds

[david smith]

  Had great 4-8 Sep trip with Baja Searcher. Some uncomfortable seas 1st 
day+ and "slow" time.   Many BV and other Shearwaters. LE,BL,AS, LE Storm 
Petrels(except Ashey,others seen well by all). No Murrelets nor Cook's 
Petrels. We had a great view of a Dark-rumped Petrel that approached from 
port/stern and was watched by all as it gave us all a full bino field view 
of it's underside markings before passing on over bow to horizon. 
3RBTropicbirds(1 on water), lot's of Cassin's A's and R/RN Phal. 3 sps 
whales(Fin, Blue, Say's-didn't know he had a whale) and 100s of "little" 
Common Dolphin.The spring trip(with Greg Gilson) down to Baja(Alijos Rocks 
should be rewarding.
   Very good food(fresh vegetables, baked on board muffins, desserts, well 
prepared entres, lots of drinks-beer, pop, juice, water, snacks...) and 
adequate bunk space unless your 6'+, then tight. The crew, guides, and 
physical condition of the 95' boat were all outstanding.
  Ventura/ Island Packers to Santa Cruz was fun. After an hour to locate the 
ISJay, I did the 5 mile RT walk(rugged) across Nature Cons land and saw a 
couple more on the scenic trail.
  YFGull was a drive to "sea" edge at Obsidian Cove/HQ, then a long drive to 
reach Ventura. That was to stay 2 nights so I could watch football and 
relax(UO game was NOT relaxing).
  No Spotted Doves with 1/2 day LA searching; they're decreasing in range 
and #s.
  AK Air am flight arrived near harbor; rental cars in area. David Smith