Скачать или смотреть What kind of seabird is this guy?

I was at the Morro Bay State Park Marina and saw this seabird floating on the water. I think he could tell I was filming him (or her?) and he dove down into the water. I stood there for a long time waiting for him to resurface. I even walked around to see if he had swam horizontally underwater to come back up somewhere else. He just disappeared and I didn't see him again!

Have you ever been to an aquarium where they situate the seabirds above so that your view is of the 30ft or so under the surface? I have, and its incredible to watch how deep they can dive, swim, and hold their breath.

I don't know what kind of seabird he was but here's what ChatGPT told me about seabirds in Morro Bay:

You might encounter in and around Morro Bay—capturing shorebirds like long‑billed curlews and marbled godwits, flocks of sanderlings, snowy plovers, and mixed seabird gatherings.

Seabirds of Morro Bay, California

Morro Bay is a vital haven for seabirds and shorebirds along the Pacific Flyway—offering rich habitats, migration stopovers, winter refuges, and nesting sites.

1. Shorebirds & Waders

Long‑billed Curlew, Marbled Godwit, Willet, Whimbrel, Red Knot, Sanderling, Black Turnstone, Semipalmated and Snowy Plovers, Black‑bellied Plover: Common along Morro Strand State Beach and mudflats; the long‑billed curlew is a regular winter visitor using its curved bill to forage in the mud. (birdinghotspots.org, morrocoastaudubon.org, bluesailinn.com)

Western Snowy Plover: Especially sensitive and often found nesting in roped-off dune areas. (birdinghotspots.org, bluesailinn.com)

Up to 20,000 shorebirds visit each winter, taking advantage of the rich feeding grounds. (Highway 1 Road Trip)

2. Gulls, Terns, Pelicans & Cormorants

Western Gull, Mew Gull, California Gull, Heermann’s Gull: Frequently seen scavenging along coastlines and estuary edges. (bluesailinn.com, Highway 1 Road Trip, Wikipedia)

California Brown Pelican: Known for dramatic plunge-diving; once endangered due to DDT, now thriving off the Central Coast. (Morro Bay National Estuary Program)

Cormorants: Including Pelagic, Double‑crested, and Brandt’s Cormorants—all common along coastal shores and rock outcrops. (greenbirding.blogspot.com, seasonsinthesea.com, bluesailinn.com)

3. Loons, Grebes & Alcids

Spot Loons and Grebes (Western, Clark’s, Eared, Pied-billed Grebe) in deeper bay and marina waters. (bluesailinn.com, birdinghotspots.org, greenbirding.blogspot.com)

Winter brings Auklets, Pigeon Guillemots, Murres, and Shearwaters to forage offshore or rest on nearby rocks or cliffs. (seasonsinthesea.com, palomaraudubon.org, birdinghotspots.org)

4. Raptors & Birds of Prey

Peregrine Falcons nest on the cliffs of Morro Rock—a thrilling sight for birders. (Highway 1 Road Trip, bluesailinn.com, palomaraudubon.org)

Other sightings include Short‑eared Owls, Northern Harrier, and occasionally Black Rail during migration. (Highway 1 Road Trip, bluesailinn.com)

5. Other Notables

Black Brant Geese feed on eelgrass marshes, especially around Sweet Springs Nature Preserve. (Highway 1 Road Trip)

A diversity of waders like Great Blue Heron, Snowy Egret, Great Egret, Green Heron, along with ducks and other waterfowl, frequent estuary zones and lagoons. (birdinghotspots.org, greenbirding.blogspot.com)

Where to Go Birding

Morro Strand State Beach: Prime shorebird habitat with access to dunes, beach, and mudflats. (birdinghotspots.org)

Morro Bay State Park Marina & Boardwalk Trail: Great for spotting loons, grebes, waders, raptors, and winter waterfowl—especially at high tide. (birdinghotspots.org)

Morro Rock vicinity: Iconic spot for witnessing peregrine falcons up close. (bluesailinn.com)

Sweet Springs Nature Preserve (Baywood Park): Ideal for observing migrating geese like Black Brant and other estuary commuters. (Highway 1 Road Trip)

Birding Events & Conservation

Morro Bay Winter Bird Festival (January): A standout event showcasing over 200 bird species, with walking tours, presentations, and habitat explorations. (morrobaybirdfestival.org, Highway 1 Road Trip)

Seabird Monitoring Surveys: Hosted by the Morro Coast Audubon Society—volunteer-based citizen science efforts that track nesting, roosting seabirds, and human disturbance to inform conservation strategies. (morrocoastaudubon.org)

Final Thoughts

Morro Bay is a globally recognized Important Bird Area that offers endless birding opportunities—from dramatic seabird spectacles to quiet estuary patches teeming with shorebirds. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a casual observer, this vibrant habitat promises something new with each visit.

#morrowbay #seabird #seabirds #waterbird #waterbirds #divingbirds