ML126537251

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

First spotted at 0720 near horizon to south of us as a large bird with long wings, approximately 5 miles due west of the outer buoy off Grays Harbor or 8 miles offshore. Flew towards us and was quickly recognized as a booby, passed by length of boat so all participants got good look before it flew off. Seen as close as 75m with good lighting due to high overcast and good viewing conditions since seas were moderate at that point, with light wind from S (Beaufort 2). Solitary, much larger than nearby Pink-footed Shearwater. Long wings, tail and large head and beak readily apparent. Typical booby flight with deep downward wing beats. Uppersurface was solid dark brown, including collar and rump. Head and neck were same dark brown color, Somewhat raggedy line terminates brown on upper breast at shoulders. Lower breast and belly were whitish, with some darkening on undertail coverts. Underpart color was a dirty white, as were the underwing coverts which also showed extensive dark margins and some dark intrusion onto coverts. Beak was a dark gray with some apparent lightening near base. Feet not seen. Bird was in heavy flight feather molt, showing significant gaps in the middle primaries and the inner secondaries. Written details by Bill Tweit. Photos by Mikey Lutmerding.

Technical information

Model

Canon EOS 70D

Lens

EF300mm f/4L IS USM

ISO

3200

Focal length

300 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire, auto

f-stop

f/7.1

Shutter speed

1/500 sec

Dimensions

2411 pixels x 1607 pixels

Original file size

2.58 MB