23 June 2026

Farallon Islands Birding Trip Yields Pinniped Sweep and Whale Jackpot (June 20, 2026)

We took a birding trip with Alvaro’s Adventures under excellent sea conditions (4-5 ft long-period swell, low wind waves, overcast but clear visibility and no wind). All the islands were clearly visible from the Golden Gate Bridge. We set sail out of Sausalito on the 55′ catatmaran, The Outer Limits.

While the trip did produce some nice birds (tufted puffins, auklets) the real highlight was the number of marine mammals we saw. The trip out yielded harbor seal, and a number of harbor porpoise, which started returning to San Francisco Bay in 2008 after a 65-year absence. One the island itself we saw California sealion, Steller’s sealion, and northern fur seal. We also saw one lone male elephant seal swimming offshore of SE Farallon.

Whales! We saw several humpback whales, two blue whales, a fin whale, and a gray whale! Absolutely incredible day. Too see the two largest animals on the planet in one day, let alone, that many whale species. If there ever was a day to attempt a mammal big day — that would have been it.

 

-Bill

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Coffearobusta42

Wildlife biologist and ecologist, avid birder, tech-minded tinkerer, and long-distance backpacker who has completed the Tahoe Rim Trail and traversed challenging segments of the Pacific Crest Trail. Exploring rugged trails alongside our reliable trail partner, a dog named Winter, we approach every pursuit with intentionality and resilience. Combining a deep commitment to conservation with a passion for wilderness exploration, we look for new ways to bridge the gap between technical data and the living world.

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