New England Seabirds

This site is dedicated to the great world traveler the Wilson's Storm-petrel

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Getting Started | Giving Directions At Sea Help | Comments | Site Map

Giving Directions At Sea

Think of the Boat As A Clock
Forget about starboard and port, the nautical lingo you learned reading Moby Dick. Birders think of the boat as a clock with 12 o'clock at the front ( usually ponted) end and 6 o'clock at the back. Facing the front of the boat 3 o'clock is the middle of the right side and 9 o'clock the middle of the left.

Birders tend to get excited, so if you and your friend are standing on the left side and he yells, " I have a bird at 3 flying right", translate that to 9.

Each time you move from one side of the boat to the other side, try to remind yourself if you are on the 9 or 3 side.

Distance
The best way to express the distance from the boat is by reference to the horizon. (where the water meets the sky). A flying bird can be above the horizon or below the horizon. A sitting bird can be described as half - way, or 3/4 of the way to the horizon.
If you are on the top deck and the person describing the location of the bird is on the lower deck there is a discrepancy. The higher you are the further the horizon.

Where Is The Bird?
There are few landmarks at sea. One wave looks pretty much like another. To give directions to a bird use the following:
  • What point on the clock
  • Is the bird flying or sitting on the water.
  • If flying is it going right or left
  • Distance to the horizon


"Sooty Shearwater 4 o'clock, flying right, half way to the horizon"

"Greater Shearwater 3 o'clock flying left 3/4 to the horizon."

To follow the directions of another person, first look where they are looking. Then place your binoculars as close to the location described as possible and scan a bit in both directions.

It Takes Practice
You won't see every bird on your first pelagic trip. You probably won't see every bird on your 100th pelagic trip, but you will get better at following and giving directions with practice. If you miss a bird, forget your frustration and get ready for the next one.

A good way to learn is on the way out of the harbor, work with a friend to practice giving directions to a gull.
Directions | Identification | Be A Good Sailor | Overnight