New England Seabirds


 

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Photo Album

We sailed on a bright sunny day with relatively smooth seas. The trip was organized by Nick Samson and the trip leader was Wayne Petersen. Our route was south from Newburyport past Cape Ann and across Stellwagen Basin to the south end of Stellwagen Bank.

Basking Shark Our first encounter was with a Basking Shark lolling on the surface and showing the double dark fin.The dorsal fin (left) usually shows more above the surface than in this picture.

Arriving on the south end we laid some chum and drew in some Greater and Sooty Shearwaters. Here is a nice Tom Young photo showing both shearwater in flight.

Lesser Black-backed Gull Two Lesser Black-baked Gulls were seen. This is the first bird photographed by Tom Young.

Another shot of the Lesser Black-backed Gull by Tom Young.

Boston Echo Buoy There were quite a few Common Tern on the banks. Here are some sitting on that landmark of south Stellwagen Bank, the BE buoy. Terns can sit on the water, but they prefer to rest on something solid.

Several Humpback Whales were deep feeding in the area an activity that does not attract birds.Where were the Manx and Cory's Shearwaters of August ? Also a Sabine's Gull was seen on 9/7 from the Captain John whale watch. No Sabines today.

Draggers Fishing is regulated but still allowed in the Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary.

Draggers disturb the sandy bottom of the banks. What is the effect on the whales and birds of this activity?

Logistics
This trip was on the Newburyport Whale from 9 AM to 5 PM. Cost was $45 with participants paying $10 for chowder or soup at 11 and Lasagna and salad at 2 PM. The crew did a fair job of chumming. I noticed the chum sank almost immediately. I think I prefer mixing the popcorn with the chum to keep it floating for some time.