Birds of the Ocean Tuesday 2/25/2025

Watch on YouTube

Tim Shelmerdine is a well-known world-wide birder who has organized and led birding trips off the coast of Oregon for a decade. In this presentation, he will discuss what defines a “seabird,” while focusing on the seabirds near the Oregon coast. We’ll hear stories about the paths that led him to become a seabird enthusiast, leader, and trip organizer, along with details of experiences and adventures during three decades of pursuing this passion. Along the way, he’ll offer tips on seabird identification, along with advice on finding viewing opportunities.

Tim brings years of expertise about ocean birds that are seldom seen from shore. A retired high school Spanish teacher who lives in the Portland area, he uses his great teaching skills and sense of humor to make understanding and identifying ocean birds easier.

In 2015, Tim started his own company, Oregon Pelagic Tours (OPT). Until now, his tours have focused on trips out of Newport and Garibaldi. In the near future, Tim is planning on expanding to include repositioning cruises. (Repositioning cruises occur when cruise lines move ships they were using for Alaska tours back to the Caribbean for tours there. These cruises are attractive to birders because they are relatively cheap, and they do not stop between Vancouver, BC, and LA.) Birders bring scopes and take over the bow of the ship as they look for pelagic birds flying by.

Please join your friends at the Campbell Center (155 High Street) on Tuesday, February 25, at 7 pm. Doors open at 6:30 for some social time. Also available on Zoom. This program will be recorded and posted on the LCAS website a few days later.