Encinitas Black-vented Shearwater Show! (6/20/18)

I was simply amazed for this time of year to witness the numbers of Black-vented Shearwaters that were present off the coast of Encinitas this morning and into the early afternoon.Several rafts of many hundreds,  one raft contained 1000+ birds, while many, many, many more were flying. This was all from Cardiff State Beach and Fletcher Cove, in Solana Beach. Later, I headed up to the bluffs of Leucadia, and witnessed thousands flying north. More than likely many of the flocks I had seen earlier in the day in Cardiff, but a non-stop stream no matter where you looked.

I did four 10-minute/one-minute counts during my seawatch at this location in Leucadia. The lowest per-minute was 93, with the highest being 204 in one minute.  I do not believe these birds were circling, but a massive movement.

Just wanted to share, and curious if anybody seawatched from La Jolla and saw any numbers of Black-vents there? I feel like they were all up off the coast of Encinitas! 

Good Birding,

Jimmy McMorran

Leucadia, CA