Pelagic Trips 2008

Join the BBC for an all-day (4 a.m. to 9 p.m.) trip to the deeper, warmer waters south of Nantucket Shoals, to the edge of the Continental Shelf. We will search for White-faced Storm-Petrel and other target birds including Band-rumped Storm-Petrel, several species of shearwaters (including Audubon's), jaegers, and gulls, and possibly South Polar and Great Skua and Bridled Tern. One of the highlights last year was a Little/Macaronesian Shearwater. For more information see BBC Pelagic Trips.

EXTREME PELAGIC' BOAT TRIP - 28 JUNE 2008
 
Join the BROOKLINE BIRD CLUB on 28 June 2008 for an extensive all day
PELAGIC BOAT TRIP out of HYANNIS, MASSACHUSETTS to the deep, warm, blue
waters of the CONTINENTAL SHELF in the vicinity of VEATCH and
HYDROGRAPHER CANYONS. These waters are truly the last frontier in
Massachusetts and New England ornithology.
 
Last season I made a list of possible rarities to find on our trips,
then we set out with the goal of finding a new state record in these
largely unexplored waters. Well we did it, nailing the first New
England and third North American record for MACARONESIAN (LITTLE)
SHEARWATER (Puffinus baroli)! The bird dog Captain Joe of the fast,
100 foot, comfortable 'Helen H' skillfully followed this bird for an
extended period of time, allowing observers good views, and some dozen
photographers on board the ability to obtain excellent documentation.
The 2008 Macaronesian Shearwater event was an excellent start, but there
is more out there waiting for us!
 
We have never run a June trip before, but June is a very exciting time
to get out there, and may be our best chance for Pterodroma petrels such
as Black-capped, Bermuda, Fea's, and Herald (Trinadade). Other
mega-rarity real possibilities include Cape Verde Shearwater, Bulwer's
Petrel, European Storm-Petrel, or either tropicbird. We are closer to
the breeding grounds of many of these seabirds than is Hatteras, and
there is no reason that they could not also occur here if only we could
get out there more often to find them.
 
I should mention the more ho-hum possibilities such as Audubon's
Shearwater, Leach's and Band-rumped Storm-Petrel, Great and South Polar
Skua, and Long-tailed Jaeger. However, there are no guarantees, in
life, or on pelagic boat trips.
 
The marine mammal show can be spectacular (chance for Sperm Whales,
beaked whales, Grampus, etc.) along with other fascinating marine life
(sea turtles-we've had Leatherback and Loggerhead; Mola mola, Hammerhead
and other sharks, flying fish, and giant Manta Rays).
 
This is a rare opportunity that may not last forever, to explore seas
seldom surveyed by birders, armed with a knowledge of the possibilities
and the skill to achieve them. We still need about 25 more people to
make this trip happen. It would be a shame if we are forced to cancel.
I urge those interested in pelagic birds and mammals, and those seeking
a chance to find and observe the truly rare, to join us on this exciting
cruise.
 
Richard S. Heil
S. Peabody, MA
rsheil@comcast.net