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03 Jul Fwd: [texbirds] looking for additional participants for the July 25th pelagic trip [Mary Gustafson ] 03 Jul Fwd: [texbirds] looking for additional participants for the July 25th pelagic trip [Mary Gustafson ] 2 Jul Ned Brinkley To Lead Searcher Deep Water Pelagic From San Diego [thunefeld ] 1 Jul A seabird extravaganza to the world's richest ocean [Ted Cheeseman ] 30 Jun Upcoming trip [Greg Gillson ] 24 Jun Cape Cod Seabirds; 23 June 2009: Black-capped Petrel [Richard Heil ] 21 Jun Andrew's Point, Rockport, MA Seawatch; Sun., 21 June 2009. [Richard Heil ] 21 Jun Tour to Juan Fernandez November 2009 [Ross Wanless ] 19 Jun Cook's Petrels [thunefeld ] 16 Jun New dates and schedule for CRESLI 2009 summer local whale and pealgic bird trips - ["Dr. Artie Kopelman" ] 13 Jun July Deep Water Pelagic From Santa Barbara [thunefeld ] 13 Jun Cape Hatteras Grand Slam Photos; SoCal Pelagic Trips [thunefeld ] 13 Jun Diving petrel bills ["Birds of the SW Atlantic Ocean & Antarctica" ] 8 Jun Charleston, SC pelagic - Bermuda Petrel, 2 Tropicbird Sp. on May 30 [Nate Dias ] 8 Jun Diving petrel bills ["Birds of the SW Atlantic Ocean & Antarctica" ] 2 Jun Pelagic Trip #30 off Port MacDonnell South Australia 31st May 2009 [mariner ] 1 Jun CRESLI 2009 multi day Great South Channel whale and pealgic bird trip ["Dr. Artie Kopelman" ] 28 May Re: skuas [Dick Newell ] 27 May Re: Upload file [OceanWanderer ] 27 May Upload file [dick ] 27 May Banded Laysan Albatross [Roger Wolfe ] 27 May Re: Monterey Seabirds/MURPHY'S PETREL [Force ] 26 May Monterey Seabirds/MURPHY'S PETREL [Roger Wolfe ] 26 May skuas [] 26 May Re: Ponce Inlet FL Tuna pelagic [Ross Wanless ] 25 May Re: Ponce Inlet FL Tuna pelagic ["J. BRIAN PATTESON" ] 25 May Re: Ponce Inlet FL Tuna pelagic [Robert Wallace ] 25 May Re: Ponce Inlet FL Tuna pelagic [Ross Wanless ] 25 May Ponce Inlet FL Tuna pelagic [Robert Wallace ] 23 May Black-capped Petrel returns to the Azores? [Angus Wilson ] 20 May July 25th and Aug 24-26 Deepwater California Pelagics [Todd Mcgrath ] 17 May Seychelles - Bulweria special! [Ross Wanless ] 12 May Trip Report: SoCal Cook’s Petrels, Laysan Albatrosses, Tropicbird [thunefeld ] 12 May First Cahow chick hatches on Nonsuch Island in centuries [Nate Dias ] 8 May Pterodroma deep water trip in September from San Diego [thunefeld ] 07 May Extreme Pelagic to Continental Shelf off Massachusetts; 27 June 2009. [Richard Heil ] 29 Apr SoCal Deep Water Pelagic May 9-11 from San Diego [thunefeld ] 29 Apr Western Pacific Odyssey 2009 - a report [Tony Pym ] 18 Apr Western Pacific Odyssey the final stretch....Short-tailed Albatross's galore [John Brodie-Good ] 15 Apr Western Pacific Odyssey 2009 New Ireland - Bonin Islands [John Brodie-Good ] 8 Apr Re: The Atlantic Odyssey 2009 ["Alvaro Jaramillo" ] 8 Apr The Atlantic Odyssey 2009 [John Brodie-Good ] 5 Apr Western Pacific Odyssey 2009 New Caledonia - At sea towards Chuuk [John Brodie-Good ] 4 Apr Re: Colour variation of Northern Fulmars ["tubenose AT tiscali.co.uk" ] 2 Apr Colour variation of Northern Fulmars [Yann Kolbeinsson ] 3 Apr www.scillypelagics.com ["tubenose AT tiscali.co.uk" ] 31 Mar Update on May and June Pelagic Trips From Hatteras, NC ["J. BRIAN PATTESON" ] 28 Mar Re: Fea's Petrel video [Angus Wilson ] 28 Mar Fea's Petrel video ["tubenose AT tiscali.co.uk" ] 28 Mar Fea's Petrel video ["tubenose AT tiscali.co.uk" ] 27 Mar Got Parakeet Auklets? Upcoming California Pelagic [Todd Mcgrath ] 26 Mar Western Pacific Odyssey 2009 NZ - New Caledonia [John Brodie-Good ] 24 Mar Midway Atoll 9 -17 March 2009 [John Brodie-Good ] 24 Mar Re: Orinoco storm-petrel [Nate Dias ] 22 Mar Laysan Albatross: Pt. Pinos--Seawatch , 3/22/09 [Brian Sullivan ] 22 Mar Re: Orinoco storm-petrel [Force ] 22 Mar Swinhoe's - South Korea ["tubenose AT tiscali.co.uk" ] 21 Mar 37 Fulmar, 14 Pink-foots, 10 Sooties, 74 Xantus's off San Diego [thunefeld ] 21 Mar Orinoco storm-petrel [] 21 Mar Fiji seabirds ["Chris Gaskin" ] 20 Mar Country Girl trips - price change [] 20 Mar Country Girl trips - price change [] 20 Mar Re: Kauai, HI pelagic 3/17/09 results [Angus Wilson ] 20 Mar Kauai, HI pelagic 3/17/09 results [George Armistead ] 14 Mar Re: Help in storm-petrel identification [] 14 Mar Re: Help in storm-petrel identification [Angus Wilson ] 14 Mar Help in storm-petrel identification [Jorge Dichenberg ] 14 Mar San Diego Bird Festival Trip Report; Upcoming Trips [thunefeld ] 6 Mar Interesting seabird records from visit to Japan (February) [Tony Pym ] 1 Mar Fw: Great Skua, Dovekies, 4 spp. tubenoses Feb. 28 ["J. BRIAN PATTESON" ] 28 Feb Prion Gallery Posted - Falklands and South Georgia January 2009 [Brian Sullivan ] 24 Feb Trip results: Perpetua Bank, Oregon, pelagic: 21 February 2009 [Greg Gillson ] 24 Feb New pelagic website www.scillypelagics.com ["tubenose AT tiscali.co.uk" ] 24 Feb Good news for the albatrosses [Ross Wanless ] 24 Feb Juan Fernandez expedition report [Ross Wanless ] 19 Feb Fw: kleptoparasitism by wandering albatross ["Birds of the SW Atlantic Ocean & Antarctica" ] Subject: Fwd: [texbirds] looking for additional participants for the July 25th pelagic trip From: Mary Gustafson <live4birds AT aol.com> Date: Fri, 03 Jul 2009 09:18:21 -0400 Pelagic birders, The World Birding Center has organized a pelagic trip that will be leaving out of Port Isabel/South Padre Island Saturday, July 25th at 6.00am (must be at the dock at 5.30am). The trip is a 12-hour trip where the focus is to seek out the pelagic bird species in deepwater off the continental shelf. This is a not-for-profit trip where the cost per participant is $150. As of the moment, there are NOT enough participants signed up to cover the cost of the charter and the trip is in danger of being canceled. I would like to encourage anyone who is interested in the trips to contact Cate Ball and the folks at World Birding Center at (956) 761-3000 to let them know you'd like a spot on-board. The boat must have enough participants signed up by next Friday (July 11th) or it likely won't make it out. These Gulf of Mexico trips don't yield huge numbers of birds but we seem to always make up for it with a high quality sighting or find. Last year we had great looks at a Greater Shearwater on one trip, and a cooperative Long-tailed Jaeger on the other trip. The year before that, it was the mixed species flock that included a Brown Noddy & a Brown Booby. And...I'm sure many has heard me mention the Yellow-nosed Albatross we had in 2003...it is possibilities like that that keep me coming back for more. The July 25th trip is just the first of three trips being offered this summer/fall. The other two are scheduled for Saturday, August 29th and Saturday, September 19th. Leaders for these three trips will include Mary Gustafson, Brad McKiinney, Petra Hockey, Randy Pinkston, Dwight Peake and myself. More information on these trips and on Texas pelagics can be found at: http://www.texaspelagics.com/ I hope you'll join us. -- Eric Carpenter Austin TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds Subject: Fwd: [texbirds] looking for additional participants for the July 25th pelagic trip From: Mary Gustafson <live4birds AT aol.com> Date: Fri, 03 Jul 2009 09:18:21 -0400 Pelagic birders, The World Birding Center has organized a pelagic trip that will be leaving out of Port Isabel/South Padre Island Saturday, July 25th at 6.00am (must be at the dock at 5.30am). The trip is a 12-hour trip where the focus is to seek out the pelagic bird species in deepwater off the continental shelf. This is a not-for-profit trip where the cost per participant is $150. As of the moment, there are NOT enough participants signed up to cover the cost of the charter and the trip is in danger of being canceled. I would like to encourage anyone who is interested in the trips to contact Cate Ball and the folks at World Birding Center at (956) 761-3000 to let them know you'd like a spot on-board. The boat must have enough participants signed up by next Friday (July 11th) or it likely won't make it out. These Gulf of Mexico trips don't yield huge numbers of birds but we seem to always make up for it with a high quality sighting or find. Last year we had great looks at a Greater Shearwater on one trip, and a cooperative Long-tailed Jaeger on the other trip. The year before that, it was the mixed species flock that included a Brown Noddy & a Brown Booby. And...I'm sure many has heard me mention the Yellow-nosed Albatross we had in 2003...it is possibilities like that that keep me coming back for more. The July 25th trip is just the first of three trips being offered this summer/fall. The other two are scheduled for Saturday, August 29th and Saturday, September 19th. Leaders for these three trips will include Mary Gustafson, Brad McKiinney, Petra Hockey, Randy Pinkston, Dwight Peake and myself. More information on these trips and on Texas pelagics can be found at: http://www.texaspelagics.com/ I hope you'll join us. -- Eric Carpenter Austin TEXBIRDS help file and Texas birding links at: http://moonmountaingroup.com/texbirds --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Ned Brinkley To Lead Searcher Deep Water Pelagic From San Diego From: thunefeld <thunefeld AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 18:16:35 -0700 (PDT) Greetings Ned Brinkley will join Todd McGrath as the Senior Leaders on Searcher this September on the live-aboard's long-range SoCal deep water pelagic trip from San Diego to the Channel Islands and the edge of the Continental Shelf. They will be accompanied by grizzled 40 year pelagic veteran Dave Povey (only human to have seen Cory's Shearwater in San Diego county) and assisted by "Life is short, seabird often" pelagic enthusiast Terry Hunefeld. Ned is the author of the "National Wildlife Federation Field Guide to Birds of North America" and editor of North American Birds, the American Birding Association's quarterly journal of ornithological record. He has authored over 100 articles on the distribution and identification of birds between 1981 and 2009. Ned is an avid pelagic birder who has guided scores of days into Gulf Stream waters as a senior leader for Brian Patteson and five other pelagic birding companies. He recorded the first verifiable sight record of a Bermuda Petrel at sea in July 1993. Todd McGrath is... well... Tdd McGrath. http://www.socalbirding.com/leaders/toddmcgrath.html There are four spaces remaining on the nearly-sold-out September trip. What will we see & registration details: http://socalbirding.com/searcherexpeditions.html More about Ned: http://socalbirding.com/leaders/nedbrinkley.html W. Terry Hunefeld, Encinitas Life is short. Seabird often. In memory of Luke Cole. "Come on out with us to see what's out there." www.SoCalBirding.com Southern California Seabirding Trips Buena Vista Audubon Society http://www.SoCalBirding.com Los Coronados Islands, Channel Islands to the Edge of the Continental Shelf --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: A seabird extravaganza to the world's richest ocean From: Ted Cheeseman <teo AT cheesemans.com> Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2009 11:19:49 -0700 Dear fellow seabird enthusiasts and ornithologists, This October and November, Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris will sail to South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, some of the world's most seabird rich waters. We have timed our expedition for ideal conditions for such extremely special experiences as visiting Grey-headed Albatross nesting colonies, and will visit the southern hemisphere's largest albatross colony. I would like to invite you to join me and my team of 10 very experienced expedition staff onboard the M/V Ushuaia for this once-in-a-lifetime voyage. We have just a few spaces remaining. I have been fortunate to be a part of Antarctic expeditions now for 16 years as a leader for the company my parents Doug and Gail Cheeseman started 30 years ago, and in this time have fallen in love with South Georgia, a dramatic, mountainous island perfectly placed in the world's richest ocean. South Georgia is the ideal home for nesting seabirds, penguins, albatross and smaller tube-noses alike. Once the richest whaling grounds in the world, the island is in the midst of a marine mammal recovery, as our whale sighting species lists over the decades have shown. In our early years visiting the island when Tim and Pauline Carr were curators of the lovely South Georgia Museum at Grytviken, I was inspired by tales of early summer snow cover, the peak of elephant seal mating season and the ability to access sites that later in the season are rendered dangerous by aggressive fur seals. In 2007 we sailed to South Georgia for these early specialties, a voyage filled with long-time repeat Cheesemans' Ecology travelers. We had too much fun, and decided to come south again. So now with an incredibly experienced expedition staff supporting me, I'm proud to be able to offer a voyage of unparalleled depth and expertise. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you are interested or have any questions about the voyage! At present we have just four double cabins remaining, with a couple spaces for singles sharing a room, as well. Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris is now very well known for offering indisputably the most in-depth voyages to the Antarctic. This season may be our last - though we sincerely hope not - but if so we will go out on a very high note. Between this South Georgia voyage and our Falklands / South Georgia / Antarctic Peninsula voyage onboard the Polar Star, we look forward to as fantastic a season of wildlife experiences as possible. Join us on one of these best itineraries to the Southern Ocean! · South Georgia and Falkland Islands – Oct 15 to Nov 8, 2009 · Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia and Falklands – Dec 28, 2009 to Jan 25, 2010 To see the complete itineraries, please visit: http://www.cheesemans.com/antarctica.html Warmest regards and smooth seas to all, Ted Cheeseman Why Our Antarctic Expeditions Stand Above the Rest Abundant Time Ashore ~ We spare no effort to be able to offer you as much time in the field as physically possible – at least 8 hours of shore time for each landing. Our most eager travelmates can spend an average of 125 hours in the field, of course, how much time is up to you. Don’t go to Antarctica and find yourself stuck on a ship when you want to be exploring this magical place! Jam-Packed Itinerary ~ We have the most in-depth itineraries that you will find! We have been continuously perfecting our itinerary to the Antarctica Peninsula, South Georgia Island, and the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) since 1994. More Landings ~ We make more landings than other voyages and also do a good deal of zodiac cruising to see places where landings are not possible. Please compare the number, depth and quality of landings we plan to other tours - we are sure you will find that we come out on top! The length of our expedition helps us to hand pick the most fantastic sites in the Antarctic regions. Our voyages to the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia Island, and the Falkland Islands include 25 or more landings! Our numerous and experienced staff will help you to safely land in challenging sea conditions. For this reason, we rarely miss landings. Great Value and Quality ~ Our tour is the best value of any Antarctic voyage. This is primarily because we are a small, efficient company. Before you commit your trip-of-a-lifetime, be sure to compare the number of days, landings, and leader-to-participant ratio, plus the hours spent ashore. Many clients have told us that they compared over 20 expeditions and chose ours hands down for the value of our trip. Small Group Size ~ IAATO rules state that only 100 people are allowed to go ashore at one time (except on Prion Island in South Georgia, where only 50 are allowed). Our groups are small enough so we can land ashore at the same time without creating a crowd, yet large enough to allow us to bring a diverse array of knowledgeable leaders, and operate on efficient, capable vessels that handle the seas well. We charter the entire ship for these expeditions to make sure that our group is cohesive and passionate about their wildlife experience. We also insist on a non-smoking policy for the comfort of everyone. Many of our travelmates are repeat participants, so you will likely see a familiar face or two on our tours. Diverse Leaders and Staff ~ Excellence, expertise, and genuine interest in your enjoyment define our leaders and staff. While on shore, we offer bird, geology, and nature walks, plus photography seminars, and wildlife drawing classes to enhance your visit. While at sea, we offer bird, ecology, geology, photography, and history lectures to inform you about this unique area. Staff members are on watch from the ship's bridge and deck to spot and identify marine mammals and seabirds. We also maximize the number of zodiac drivers on our staff so we can quickly deliver you ashore, without a long queue. Having more drivers also allows greater flexibility for you to decide when to go ashore and return. Best Ships ~ We charter the best possible ships for these wildlife expeditions. These ships are strong and fast, perfect for the Southern Ocean, yet small enough to provide an intimate experience. The Polar Star is an Icebreaker-class ship with reinforced hull so you can feel safe as you explore the icy waters around the Antarctic Peninsula. This vessel, unlike most, has the capacity to travel into the sea ice where Emperor Penguins are most often found, . The Ushuaia is smaller than the Polar Star, which enables it to anchor closer to shore, and of a lighter ice class, making it perfect for voyage that emphasizes South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. Height of the Season ~ We travel during the best season, not on a shoulder season. January is the best time to visit the Antarctic Peninsula, when the skies are sunnier, the sea ice is more navigable, and the penguins and other wildlife are raising young. October - November is an ideal and unique season for South Georgia. Accessible Expedition Leaders ~ If you want the best in wildlife experiences, please contact us. More than likely you will talk directly to one of the Expedition Leaders (Doug, Gail, or Ted Cheeseman). We can also provide names and contacts of former travelers, for you to get an unbiased opinion. Passionate Conservation ~ We are concerned about protecting the polar environments and have supported many conservation efforts over the years. We promote protection of the Wandering Albatross and other albatross species. We are full members of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO is a membership organization that advocates, promotes, and practices safe and environmentally responsible travel to the Antarctic). Comprehensive Expedition Log ~ We publish and distribute an expedition log to each traveler after the conclusion of each trip, complete with photos taken by participants on that voyage. You can explore one of these logs (note these are large files): South Georgia and the Falkland Islands: http://www.cheesemans.com/pdfs/log_southgeorgia2007.pdf Falklands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula http://www.cheesemans.com/pdfs/log_antarctica2008-09.pdf And for your browsing pleasure, a few of our favorite photos from recent voyages to South Georgia and Antarctica: http://tinyurl.com/pbase-antarctic -- Ted Cheeseman teo AT cheesemans.com http://www.cheesemans.com Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris 20800 Kittredge Rd. Saratoga, CA 95070 408-741-5330 --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Upcoming trip From: Greg Gillson <greg AT thebirdguide.com> Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:07:46 -0700 Friends, Oregon's fantastic fall pelagic season begins with a trip on August 8, 2009. The "Perpetua Bank: Albatross Hotspot" trip is 11 hours to 40 miles offshore at an underwater feature that is a seabird magnet. We chum twice, for an hour each, about 10 miles apart, bringing ALBATROSSES, FULMARS, JAEGERS and other seabirds right up to the boat for photo opportunities. Many other species are detected during the run out to deeper water and back. Plus, we usually spend a half hour or so near shore on either end of the trip for nearshore specialists including MARBLED MURRELETS and GRAY WHALES. This early fall trip features the best chance during the year for FORK-TAILED STORM-PETRELS, LONG-TAILED JAEGERS, RED and RED-NECKED PHALAROPES, and ARCTIC and COMMON TERNS, and SABINE'S GULLS. If seas are calm this trip often encounters many sharks and marine mammals; HUMPBACK WHALES are frequently seen. Rarities in August have included XANTUS'S MURRELETS, but last year's bird of note was Oregon's first state record of GREATER SHEARWATER! Photo trip report from last year: http://thebirdguide.com/pelagics/archive/08092008.htm Our two other Perpetua Bank trips are September 12 and October 3. Check out the full details on our web site. It will include full trip descriptions, preparation including what to eat, wear, and bring, map to charter, registration form, checklists, and trip report archives. http://thebirdguide.com/pelagics/ Less than 6 weeks to go! Only 15 spaces remain! Greg Gillson Forest Grove, Oregon greg AT thebirdguide.com --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Cape Cod Seabirds; 23 June 2009: Black-capped Petrel From: Richard Heil <rsheil AT comcast.net> Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 20:52:33 -0400 TUESDAY, 23 JUNE 2009: CAPE COD, MASSACHUSETTS Weather: Overcast, frequent light rain, drizzle, variable fog, NNE winds 15-25 mph, 56-61 F. Richard S. Heil The recent seemingly endless series of low pressure systems, day after day of north and east winds, rain, drizzle, and fog along the New England coast, continues to produce an inshore seabird bonanza. CORPORATION BEACH, DENNIS (0650-0750 hrs.) With Peter Trimble and Pete Flood; Visibility to about max. of one mile limited observations. Common Eider (Atlantic) 2 Common Loon 1 Greater Shearwater 3 Manx Shearwater 2 Wilson's Storm-Petrel 100 Leach's Storm-Petrel 5 Several very close to shore. Northern Gannet 26 Double-crested Cormorant 2 Ring-billed Gull 3 Herring Gull (American) 25 Great Black-backed Gull 12 Least Tern 4 Common Tern 6 Arctic Tern 1 1st-summer 'portlandica' Common/Arctic Tern 2 Parasitic Jaeger 7 Parasitic/Long-tailed Jaeger 1 Distant slim small looking immature jaeger. FIRST ENCOUNTER BEACH, EASTHAM (0820-0905 hrs.) with Blair Nikula Visibility to about max. of one mile limited observations. Wilson's Storm-Petrel 9 Leach's Storm-Petrel 7 Again, several very close to shore; one phonescoped: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rsheil/?saved=1 Northern Gannet 14 Double-crested Cormorant 3 Willet (Eastern) 2 Laughing Gull 2 Ring-billed Gull 4 Herring Gull (American) 12 Great Black-backed Gull 6 Common Tern 7 Arctic Tern 1 adult Pomarine/Parasitic Jaeger 1 Distant large jaeger roosting on flats. HEAD OF THE MEADOW BEACH, NORTH TRURO (0940-1000 hrs.) Large numbers of milling birds well offshore (2+ miles) where several large rafts were also noted. Greater Shearwater 400+ Sooty Shearwater 250+ shearwater sp. 500+ Wilson's Storm-Petrel 10 Northern Gannet 12 Laughing Gull 1 Common/Arctic Tern 2 PROVINCETOWN: Including HERRING COVE-HATCHES HARBOR (1010-1320) and RACE POINT BEACH at the parking lot (1330-1810 hrs.) Many seabirds apparently exiting Cape Cod Bay heading north past Herring Cove area, including gannets, Wislon's Storm-Petrels, jaegers, and terns. Many of the terns pulled into Hatches Harbor and roosted on some remaining sand bars as the high tide peaked. Later, during my entire time at the Race Point Beach large numbers of shearwaters were milling and foraging very close to shore (< 1/2 mile) presenting a spectacular show. Common Eider (Atlantic) 3 Red-breasted Merganser 3 BLACK-CAPPED PETREL 1 Off Race Point parking lot beach between 1350-1355 hrs. Astounding! Closely seen and distinctly unmistakable. Observed milling with the masses of shearwaters close to shore, within 1/2 mile, for approximately 4-5 minutes. First noticed just to west of the Race Point parking lot, the petrel worked right about two-hundred yards, then back left, then back right and eventually away out of sight to the east. Brief description: Slightly smaller than Greater Shearwater but with comparatively longer wings and tail. The extensive and bold gleaming white uppertail coverts were striking, and at once jumped out at you, contrasting with the dark gray back and upperwings and narrow blackish tail band. The isolated black cap was set off by a broad white collar further eliminating the possibility of a Cahow. The bill was dark and appeared thick and stout compared to Greater Shearwater. The underparts were pure white while the white underwings showed a contrasting blackish bar running nearly the legnth. Despite another two hours of seawatching there I did not see the petrel again, although conditions began to deteriorate with increased fog and showers late in the day. There are four prior Massachusetts records, plus a couple more reports from far offshore shelf waters. Cory's Shearwater 1 Race Point Lot Greater Shearwater 1300 Most off Race Point Lot Sooty Shearwater 950 Most off Race Point Lot shearwater sp. 100 Wilson's Storm-Petrel 600 300-Herring Cove, 300-Race Point. Northern Gannet 80 2-3 apparent adults, remainder sub-ads. and imms. Double-crested Cormorant 5 Willet (Eastern) 2 Black-legged Kittiwake 7 All 1st-summer; 5 roosting on flats with terns at hatches Harbor. Bonaparte's Gull 3 All 1st-summer Laughing Gull 200 Majority adults in breeding plumage... from Plymouth colony? 12+ 1st-summer birds. Ring-billed Gull 4 Herring Gull (American) 230 Lesser Black-backed Gull 2 Both 1st-summer, Hatches Harbor. Great Black-backed Gull 110 Least Tern 10 Black Tern 4 3-Herring Cove, 1-Race Pt. Roseate Tern 16 All adults; 13-Herring Cove/Hatches Harbor, 3-Race Point lot. Common Tern 1020 Most Herring Cove, then roosting Hatches Harbor; At least four 1st-summer 'portlandica' birds observed. Arctic Tern 132 : 120+ Herring Cove/Hatches Harbor, including 110 counted roosting on flats; 12-Race Point lot; Of total 14 adults, remainder all 1st-summer 'portlandica'. This is the largest number of 1st-summer birds reported in Massachusetts since the late 1970's/ early 1980's: max. 800+-Monomoy I.-6/7/79 (Nikula, Heil). Phonescoped pics: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rsheil/?saved=1 Common/Arctic Tern 150 Pomarine Jaeger 2 1 light morph sub-adult, one dark bird; both Herring Cove. Parasitic Jaeger 28 21-Herring Cove exiting Cape Cod Bay, 7-Race Point lot; Most sub-adults, and including 3-4 dark birds, several light adults. LONG-TAILED JAEGER 1 1st-summer bird chasing terns at Herring Cove. jaeger sp. 7 RAZORBILL 1 Breeding plumage flyby at Herring Cove - unseasonable, outside summer range. Horned Lark 2 adult with juv.-Hatches Harbor. Richard S. Heil S. Peabody, MA rsheil AT comcast.net This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Andrew's Point, Rockport, MA Seawatch; Sun., 21 June 2009. From: Richard Heil <rsheil AT comcast.net> Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2009 19:58:45 -0400 SUNDAY, 21 JUNE 2009: ANDREW'S POINT, ROCKPORT, CAPE ANN, MASSACHUSETTS Seawatch (0520-14440, 1500-1700 hrs.) Weather: Overcast, frequent rain and drizzle, intermittent light to moderate fog; NNE>NE winds 20-30 mph, 59-61 F. Visibility: 3/4 mile to 5+ miles. Seas: 6-10 feet. Richard S. Heil, Jeremiah Trimble, and Brian Harris (for part) American Black Duck (4) Common Eider (5) Surf Scoter (1f.) White-winged Scoter (2) Common Loon (1) - breeding plumage Northern Fulmar (4) : 3 light, one dark; My first summer (June-July) record here, I think. Greater Shearwater (17) Sooty Shearwater (92) Manx Shearwater (15) large shearwater sp. (2) Wilson's Storm-Petrel (90+) Leach's Storm-Petrel (1) : Close to shore Northern Gannet (445) : Two adults or near adults, remainder sub-adults and 1st-year birds; Not even close to previous June high count of 1410 on 6/15/02. Double-crested Cormorant (30): Local residents. Black-legged Kittiwake (1 ad.) Laughing Gull (2 ads.) - breeding plumage Ring-billed Gull (1 imm.) Herring Gull (45+) Great Black-backed Gull (55+) Least Tern (1 ad.) Common Tern (3+ ads.) ARCTIC TERN (3+ ads.) : This small flock in the afternoon was close enough to confidently I.D.; small size; short bills; evenly pale gray upper wing with very narrow black trailing edge below; grayish underparts; long tails. Common/Arctic Tern (29 ads.) : Frustratingly troublesome; a number of flocks passing by NW to SE, thought to be Arctics by plumage and "jizz", were ultimately left as "Comic" terns due to inherent uncertainties due to distance and visibility. SOUTH POLAR SKUA (1) : Passed by NW to SE at 1/2 to 3/4 mile at 0915 hrs.; Uniformly dark skua lacking any apparent rufous tones with paler buffy nape patch and moderate white at base of primaries. Parasitic Jaeger (3 ads.) : all breeding plumaged LONG-TAILED JAEGER (2) : 1 breeding plumaged adult in the morning, then an immature (probable 1st-year) in the afternoon. jaeger sp. (1) - distant. COMMON MURRE (10) : All in breeding plumage passing NW to SE; Third June record here, and record high count for the month. RAZORBILL (4) : All in breeding plumage, passing NW to SE; Second June record and new high count for the month. large alcid sp. (5) : murres/razorbills distant or poorly seen. BLACK GUILLEMOT (2) : Both in or near breeding plumage, passing NW to SE; Third June record. ATLANTIC PUFFIN (5) : All apparent adults or near adults passing NW to SE, some showing large colorful bills; Third June record and new high for the month. Richard S. Heil S. Peabody, MA rsheil AT comcast.net This report was generated with the aid of eBird v2(http://ebird.org) --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Tour to Juan Fernandez November 2009 From: Ross Wanless <rosswanless AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2009 20:58:54 +0200 Hi All There are a few spaces available for the tour to Juan Fernandez islands that I am putting together. The trip is set to go from 7-14 November and if we get enough takers the costs should be $2700 per person, excl international flights to Chile. If anyone else is keen to see this amazing backwater and seabird endemism hotspot, let me know soon. Cheers Ross -- Ross Wanless +27 73 675 3267 --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Cook's Petrels From: thunefeld <thunefeld AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2009 11:36:35 -0700 (PDT) Greetings, Just received word from Art Taylor, captain of SEARCHER that they saw three COOK’S PETRELS about 80 nautical miles offshore Baja, about 170 nautical miles south of San Diego. There have already been reports this year of Cook’s Petrel well into Northern California, and we saw three on our May 9-10 48-hour trip from San Diego aboard Grande. This could be the year for some good sightings on our monthly deep-water trips from San Diego and Santa Barbara. As Oprah would say, “Woooo- hooooo!” Upcoming SoCal Pelagic Trips: http://www.socalbirding.com/upcomingtrips.html W. Terry Hunefeld, Encinitas Life is short. Seabird often. In memory of Luke Cole “Come on out with us to see what’s out there.” Southern California Seabirding Trips Buena Vista Audubon Society http://www.SoCalBirding.com Los Coronados Islands, Channel Islands to the Edge of the Continental Shelf Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/SoCalBirding --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: New dates and schedule for CRESLI 2009 summer local whale and pealgic bird trips - From: "Dr. Artie Kopelman" <president AT cresli.org> Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:28:40 -0400 Dear CRESLI supporter, GREAT NEWS!!! In 2009 CRESLI and the Viking Fleet will return to leading local whale watching excursions, in addition to the offshore trips. The Coastal Research and Education Society of Long Island is a non-profit research and education organization. Our mission is: "To promote and foster understanding and stewardship of coastal ecosystems through research and education ." Part of our work is to observe and document the whale and sea bird populations of NY and New England and to take people to see these animals in the wild. Since 2002 we have been offering incredible and successful multi-day offshore pelagic bird and whale observation trips. In 2009 CRESLI and the Viking Fleet will return to leading local whale watching excursions, in addition to the offshore trips. Local trips will leave from the dock at 9:30 AM - returning at around 3:30 PM, on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays throughout the summer, starting July 5, 2009. The cost, part of which will go to CRESLI, will be approximately $49 per adult and $19 per child 7- 12 . We hope to encounter fin, minke, humpback, sei, and right whales; common, white-sided, dolphins, pilot whales, and thousands of pelagic birds. Please join us on our return to local whale watching after 7 years. Keep checking our website (http://cresli.org) for updates. Whale watching reservations will be made via the Viking Fleet website at http://vikingfleet.com shortly. Arthur H. Kopelman, Ph. D. President, Coastal Research and Education Society of Long Island president AT cresli.org www.cresli.org 631-244-3352 ( e-mails scanned for viruses before sending) "When the last individual of a race of living thing breathes no more, another heaven and another earth must pass before such a one can be again" ...... William Beebee P Be kind to the environment - unless you need to, please don't print this e-mail --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: July Deep Water Pelagic From Santa Barbara From: thunefeld <thunefeld AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 13 Jun 2009 19:43:35 -0700 (PDT) Greetings ONE-DAY SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA DEEP WATER PELAGIC – JULY 25 Saturday, July 25. Sponsored by the Los Angeles Audubon Society aboard the Condor Express. This 12-14 hour trip departs from Santa Barbara and heads for deep water (either the San Juan Seamount or Arguello Canyon, depending on weather and sea surface temps). A TRISTRAM'S STORM-PETREL was captured and photographed on Southeast Farallon Island 22 April 2006. We saw one from The Condor Express on July 21, 2007. The only way to have seen this super-mega-rarity was to be on the Condor Express that day. Late July is an ideal time to look for Cook's Petrels, and there have already been reports well into Northern CA (including three on our May trip from San Diego in early May). Red-billed Tropicbird is a distinct possiblity. Mega-rarlties that are distant possibilies for this trip include Stejneger's Petrel and Wedge-rumped Storm-Petrel. Details on the July Trip including expected species and past trip reports: http://www.socalbirding.com/upcomingtrips/santabarbarajul252009.html SoCal Seabird Status & Distribution: http://www.socalbirding.com/seabirdreference.html We hope can join us on one of our trips this year. List of all upcoming SoCal pelagic trips: http://www.socalbirding.com/upcomingtrips.html W. Terry Hunefeld, Encinitas Life is short. Seabird often. “Come on out with us to see what’s out there.” Southern California Seabirding Trips Buena Vista Audubon Society http://www.SoCalBirding.com Los Coronados Islands, Channel Islands to the Edge of the Continental Shelf Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/SoCalBirding --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Cape Hatteras Grand Slam Photos; SoCal Pelagic Trips From: thunefeld <thunefeld AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 13 Jun 2009 17:49:20 -0700 (PDT) Greetings, Did you hear about the Petrel Grand Slam from Brian Patteson’s boat on May 29? Bermuda, Fea’s, Trindade and Black-capped all in the same day, PLUS European and Band-rumped Storm-Petrels. Five birders from SoCal and Colin Campbell of Deleware rented a house in nearby Avon and did seven trips in a row. Trip photos including the Grand Slam birds, plus some photos of what it’s like to bird off North Carolina’s Outer Banks, can be found at the link below: Hatteras Photos and Trip Report: http://www.socalbirding.com/tripreports/hatterasmay2009.html SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PELAGICS Our next So Cal pelagic trip is a 48-hour Buena Vista Audubon Society trip aboard Grande. We will depart San Diego at 4:00 p.m. Monday August 24 and return at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday August 26. RED-BILLED TROPICBIRDS have never been missed on a Grande 48 hour trip and are at their peak numbers in August. RED-TAILED TROPICBIRD has been recorded in this area in early September. LEAST STORM-PETRELS are regular in late summer and early fall, and these southern waters are the best areas in the ABA area to look for Xantus's (both races) and CRAVERI'S MURRELETS. COOK'S PETRELS are regular but unpredictable along the shelf edge. Three were seen well on our May trip, perhaps a sign that 2009 will be a good year to find this species off SoCal. August is also peak time to look for HAWAIIAN PETREL. Details on the August Trip: http://www.socalbirding.com/upcomingtrips/sandiegoaug24262009.html MOTHER OF ALL PELAGICS The mother of all ABA pelagic trips aboard SEARCHER will run it seventh consecutive September long-range trip on Labor Day week, Sept 7-11 out of San Diego into the richest ABA pelagic waters at the richest time of year. INCREDIBLE SPECIES-SEEN LIST: September SEARCHER trips from 2003-2008 have amassed an incredible list of species seen: Black-footed Albatross, Northern Fulmar, Bulwer’s Petrel, Murphy's Petrel, Cook's Petrel, Hawaiian Petrel, Flesh-footed Shearwater, Buller’s Shearwater, Pink-Footed Shearwater, Sooty Shearwater, Black-vented Shearwater, Least Storm-Petrel, Leach's Storm-Petrel, Ashy Storm-Petrel, Black Storm-Petrel, Red-billed Tropicbird, Red-necked Phalarope, Red Phalarope, South Polar Skua, Pomarine Jaeger, Parasitic Jaeger, Long- tailed Jaeger, Sabine's Gull, Arctic Tern, Pigeon Guillemot, Common Murre, Xantus's Murrelet, Craveri’s Murrelet, Cassin's Auklet, Rhinoceros Auklet. Seen in SoCal July - September and ready for addition to Searcher’s roster are: Shy and Laysan Albatross, Stejneger's Petrel, Wedge-tailed Shearwater, Streaked Shearwater, Red-tailed Tropicbird. The diverse array of birds seen from SEARCHER is a result of a diverse itinerary - from near-shore to inter-islands to the edge of the Continental Shelf. We depart San Diego at noon and spend the day birding our way up the Nine-mile bank and other underwater banks, ridges and canyons. The morning or our second day at sea will find us in the Channel Islands. From there we travel north past Point Conception to Arguello Canyon, Rodriguez Dome, then spend two days bearing south past the San Juan Seamount and other seamounts at the edge of the Continental Shelf, 40 miles southwest of Cortez Bank, 150 miles offshore. We see lots of birds near shore and around the Channel Islands, fewer birds out along the shelf edge - but the shelf edge is where the rarities roam. SEARCHER trip logs & species reports: http://www.bajawhale.com/birdingtrips.asp Details on the upcoming September SEARCHER trip: http://www.socalbirding.com/upcomingtrips/searchersep711.html Not only does SEARCHER get great birds, it is positively luxurious with 4 air-conditioned cabins – 12 are double-occupancy and three are triple-occupancy, each with fresh-water sink, mirror and AC electrical outlet. Each cabin has sleeping bunks, storage shelves, and hammocks for gear storage. Each bunk has a private reading light. There are four sparkling-clean bathrooms on the main deck, two with showers. There are large, roomy birding and wildlife observation decks on the stern, upper deck, and in the bow area. Here is a typical participant comment following the trip: "The trip was truly a wonderful experience. As a veteran of over 100 pelagic trips, I would rate this in the top five I have ever taken. Great birds & mammals, great leadership, marvelous food & a very friendly and accommodating crew. It was also the keenest & most co-operative group of participants I have ever shared a boat with. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone who would contemplate taking it in the future. WELL DONE!" -- Mike Austin, Friendswood, TX Beverages and snacks are all included and are available 24 hours per day, in addition to the three delicious meals each day. SEARCHER offers a wide variety of special request meals and diets with prior notice. Meals are typically made from fresh meats, fish, and produce and are wonderful. There's nothing quite like standing on the bow of Searcher in the sun and wind with a hot, fresh-from-the-oven blueberry muffin and cup of coffee. One thing all the leaders agree on: you won't find a better meal at sea than SEARCHER. Fresh salads, home-made cookies, pancakes, bacon, burgers, pizza, roast chicken, fresh fish tacos, prime rib, ice cream sundaes, wine with dinner, warm brownies with ice cream, apples, bananas, oranges and a bottomless cooler of complimentary juice, coke, diet coke, bottled water and, most importantly to some of the leaders, beer. Southern California seas and weather in September are usually calm and balmy. SEARCHER accommodates 28 passengers very comfortably plus 4 leaders/spotters/chummers. There are 8 spots still available for this September’s trip. We hope can join us. More details at: http://www.socalbirding.com/upcomingtrips/searchersep711.html W. Terry Hunefeld, Encinitas Life is short. Seabird often. “Come on out with us to see what’s out there.” Southern California Seabirding Trips Buena Vista Audubon Society http://www.SoCalBirding.com Los Coronados Islands, Channel Islands to the Edge of the Continental Shelf Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/SoCalBirding --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Diving petrel bills From: "Birds of the SW Atlantic Ocean & Antarctica" <birds.swatlantic AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 13 Jun 2009 10:46:43 +0100 Hello, I am studying the south west Atlantic Pelecanoides. As all the published sketches I know depict dead birds (museum skins), I would like to improve that and illustrate more realistic bills. Published sketches are based on dry bills that are shrunk and somewhat deformed, thus not reflecting how the bill actually looks when the animal is alive. I have enough material on P. georgicus, but I am looking for photos of P. magellani and south american P. urinatrix (NOT for publication).. I would appreciate any comments or observations, and especially any photos of their bills (living animals or freshly dead, please not skins nor washups unless fresh), the classic from above, from below, lateral and any head closeups. No photo will be published in any media, is only a visual guide for the illustrations of my book and any contribution will be properly acknowledged. I thank you all in advance. Cheers! Chris --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Charleston, SC pelagic - Bermuda Petrel, 2 Tropicbird Sp. on May 30 From: Nate Dias <offshorebirder AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 8 Jun 2009 08:58:22 -0700 (PDT) Belated report (due to my just getting back from a week up at Hatteras - seeing amazing birds): The original plan for our May 30 pelagic out of Charleston, South Carolina (USA) had been to bird north of the GA-SC border, but I had noted the night before (based on fishing captain's observations and Sea Surface Temperature images) that we would probably have to venture "down below" to reach the good bird action. Such was indeed the case. We enjoyed seeing 2 Gadfly Petrel species (Black-capped and Bermuda) and two Tropicbird species (Red-billed and White-tailed). The Red-billed Tropicbird was an immature bird which we first spotted in South Carolina waters. We then had it follow us far into Georgia Waters. It circled our boat at varying distances for so long that people stopped looking at it and started enjoying other birds we had been ignoring like a close Audubon's Shearwater. The Tropicbird would occasionally drop behind our trolling-speed vessel, sometimes diving upon and eating some of our chum. It disappeared briefly for a time, then rejoined us for another 15-20 minutes. Near the end of the encounter, the bird lit on the water twice, letting us carefully approach. Then it flew around and headed of sight for a final time. The Bermuda Petrel was seen in Georgia waters only. It was a noticeably small Pterodroma (Gadfly) Petrel. That was my first thought as I picked it up among 3 Black-capped Petrels it was flying with. Other observers also noted how we could use this feature to re-find the bird among the Black-capped Petrels it was keeping station with. The Bermuda Petrel and the associated Black-caps were flying along parallel to the boat, on the port side. The Bermuda Petrel had no white collar or indentation whatsoever. I am VERY familiar with dark variant Black-capped Petrels and their lack of a white collar, but this was definitely not such a bird. Although the Cahow spent a good deal of its time in the sun glare, we did get some decent lighting a few times when it pulled ahead of the boat and in towards the bow. Multiple participants saw the "hooded" or "cowled" look a couple of times. I was struck by how much the Cahow looked like a Dark-rumped Petrel in terms of the neck/head/face. It was helpful that there was a very dark "dark variant" Black-capped Petrel flying near the Bermuda - but the dark BC Petrel clearly had more of a sort of white indentation - not a full collar, but a whitish arc protruding up toward the nape. More white on the rump as well. The Cahow did have some white on the rump, but not nearly as much as the Black-capped Petrels. The white also seemed significantly less "bright" than the white on the rumps of Black-capped Petrels. The bird's underwings were hard to get a good look at, as the Petrels were keeping low to the water in light winds but moderate lingering swells. But they were the "black border on white" pattern of a Black-capped or Bermuda Petrel - as opposed to the mostly-dark underwings of a Fea's Petrel. We also had an adult White-tailed Tropicbird during a patch of rough seas which was not photographed. It flew parallel to the boat, up our port side in good light. We could see the bird's distinctive long white tail streamer, and an all-white back without dark barring like an adult Red-billed Tropicbird. Unlike the cooperative juvenile Red-billed Tropicbird, it was trucking to somewhere. A map of our route and some photos are here: http://www.crbo.net/May30_CHS_pelagic.html -- Check back soon, more photos will be added before long. The numbers below are very conservative - we probably had more individual Black-capped Petrels and Wilson's Storm-Petrels, but I did not mark down birds unless a lot of time had passed (and distance covered) since the previous encounter with a species. A good many Black-caps were in heavy molt, especially their flight feathers - based on those clues, we were not re-encountering many of the Black-caps. Bird totals for the day (10 pelagic species): BERMUDA PETREL - 1 Black-capped Petrel - 54 Wilson's Storm-Petrel - 38 Band-rumped Storm-Petrel - 2 Cory's Shearwater - 3 Audubon's Shearwater - 3 Greater Shearwater - 3 RED-BILLED TROPICBIRD - 1 White-tailed Tropicbird - 1 Jaeger species (Pom/Par) - 1 (another possible Jaeger was not counted) Fish caught were Dolphinfish (kept) and Atlantic Sailfish (released in good condition). For those who track such things by state, here are the SC and GA breakdowns: SC: Black-capped Petrel: 22 Wilson's Storm-Petrel: 10 Band-rumped Storm-Petrel : 2 Greater Shearwater: 2 Cory's Shearweater: 1 Audubon's Shearwater: 2 RED-BILLED TROPICBIRD: 1 GA: BERMUDA PETREL: 1 Black-capped Petrel: 32 Wilson's Storm-Petrel: 28 Greater Shearwater: 1 Cory's Shearwater: 2 Audubon's Shearwater: 1 RED-BILLED TROPICBIRD: 1 (same individual as observed in SC) White-tailed Tropicbird: 1 Jaeger sp. (probably Pomarine): 1 Rarity details: Red-billed Tropicbird - first spotted just before we crossed the 100-fathom curve. In the excitement, I did not write down the time or mark the start position on my GPS unit. By our GPS track info, that was at 7:31am at N32 02.269, W79 06.945 - 103 miles east of Jones Island, SC. We lost contact for good at 8:28am, 110 miles east of Little Tybee Island, GA. Bermuda Petrel - 117 miles east of Wassaw Island. Bird sighted at 9:01am, sighting lasted until approximately 9:04:30. Coordinates: N31 54.365 W78 58.160 Bermuda was present in area with 8-9 Black-capped Petrels and 6-7 Wilson's Storm Petrels in view. Water temperature was 80.1 degrees F and current was 4.1 knots. Nathan Dias - Charleston, SC --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Diving petrel bills From: "Birds of the SW Atlantic Ocean & Antarctica" <birds.swatlantic AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 8 Jun 2009 15:49:07 +0100 Hello, I am studying the south west Atlantic Pelecanoides. As all the published sketches I know depict dead birds (museum skins), I would like to improve that and illustrate more realistic bills. Published sketches are based on dry bills that are shrunk and somewhat deformed, thus not reflecting how the bill actually looks when the animal is alive. I have enough material on P. georgicus, but I am looking for photos of P. magellani and south american P. urinatrix (NOT for publication).. I would appreciate any comments or observations, and especially any photos of their bills (living animals or freshly dead, please not skins nor washups), the classic from above, from below, lateral and any head closeups. No photo will be published in any media, is only a visual guide for the illustrations of my book and any contribution will be properly acknowledged. I thank you all in advance. Cheers! Chris --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Pelagic Trip #30 off Port MacDonnell South Australia 31st May 2009 From: mariner <diomedea1 AT bigpond.com> Date: Tue, 2 Jun 2009 04:47:41 -0700 (PDT) Pelagic day trips from Port MacDonnell South Australia are run monthly between September and May by the South Australian Ornithological Association on a non-profit basis. The area of operation is exposed to frequent fronts moving westwards across the Great Australian Bight and re-scheduling of the trips is often required. Synoptic Situation: A large High of 1041hPa was centred SW from Tasmania bringing a 10 knot ENE breeze that eased during the day. Seas: Waves below 0.5m, swell WSW about 1.5-2m. Sea surface temperature 14C Route: Sailed 0745 heading SSW about 20 n.miles to edge of shelf at 38.23'S 140.35'E. Sea depth c. 750m Worked berley slick in area 0900 - 1445, returning to port at 1600. Boat: 16m Cray fishing and charter boat "Remarkable" Personnel: Skipper, Jamie Moody, Mate and 12 seabirders. Observations: Shore to 200m depth contour: Shy Albatross 5 Black-browed Albatross nominate 10 Yellow-nosed Albatross 1 Buller's Albatross 2 Fluttering Shearwater 30 Australasian Gannet 5 Black-faced Cormorant 5 Southern Skua lonnbergi 1 Crested Tern 100+ Shelf 200-750m depth Wandering Albatross 15 including 2 juv Northern Royal Albatross 1 Black-browed Albatross nominate 73 adults, 2 immature Black-browed Albatross impavida 2 adults Shy Albatross nominate 37 adults, 1 juv, 2 immature Salvin's Albatross 1 adult Buller's Albatross 11 adults Northern Giant Petrel 15 immature Southern Giant Petrel 1 immature Cape Petrel 24 Great-winged Petrel 15 White-chinned Petrel 1 Fairy Prion 100+ Sooty Shearwater 1 Wilson's Storm-petrel 40 Grey-backed Storm-petrel 50 White-fronted Tern 3 Crested Tern 10 Notes: The fine adult Salvin's Albatross was the trip highlight and it obligingly sat on the water alongside a nominate Shy Albatross pleasing the photographers. The number of Buller's Albatross recorded was unexpected for the end of May. They are normally present in S Australian waters from Jan to May. The 50 Grey-backed Storm-petrels recorded was the highest number in 30 trips. Berley used was a splendid cocktail of minced beef and mutton fat, chopped shark livers, well drizzled with pilchard and tuna oil. The trip was organised by Colin Rogers and Stuart Hull was the bird recorder. Neil Cheshire Encounter Bay South Australia. --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: CRESLI 2009 multi day Great South Channel whale and pealgic bird trip From: "Dr. Artie Kopelman" <president AT cresli.org> Date: Mon, 1 Jun 2009 21:36:22 -0400 2009 Great South Channel trip - New Dates and Lower Price The Coastal Research and Education Society of Long Island is a non-profit research and education organization. Our mission is: "To promote and foster understanding and stewardship of coastal ecosystems through research and education ." Part of our work is to observe and document the whale and sea bird populations of NY and New England and to take people to see these animals in the wild. Since 2002 we have been offering incredible and successful multi-day offshore pelagic bird and whale observation trips. Our trips have been 100% successful and we have encountered thousands of pelagic birds over the years . We've also encountered fin, minke, sei, and right whales; common, white-sided, dolphins, pilot whales We are planning one trip to the Great South Chanel in August 16-18, 2009 (51 hours). The vessel is the 140' Viking Starship that can sleep up to 65 passengers in navy style bunks. Excellent food will be available at reasonable prices. Passengers may bring their own food as well. The trips will be led by a seasoned marine mammal biologist and professor. Volunteers from CRESLI will assist in photo-identification spotting and data collection. (1) Our August trip will leave at 7:00 PM on August 16, 2009 and head to Martha's Vineyard (MV) to pick up (and drop off) passengers. We expect to arrive at Oak Bluffs in Martha's Vineyard at approximately 12:30 AM on 8/17; we leave MV at 1:00 AM and proceed to the GSC. We should reach the whale grounds around day break, spend the next 24 hours amongst the whales and birds of the GSC. The following morning, we will have the option of either remaining on the whale grounds, or returning early to Martha's Vineyard for land-based birding, hiking, or other activities. The vessel will ultimately depart Martha's Vineyard at 4:30 PM on 8/18 and return to Montauk at 10:30 PM on 8/18/09. 1. Cost = $275 for CRESLI members; $300 for non-members 2. Children 6 - 12 are half price 3. Under 6 are free We at CRESLI hope that you will join us on our trips. Remember that members do get discounted fares. Go to http://www.cresli.org/cresli/GSC_offshore.html for info and reservation links. Reservations can be made at http://www.cresli.org/cresli/reservations/offshore_res.html Expectations: . Cetaceans: Humpback, Fin, Minke, Right; Sei, Sperm and Pilot whales; Common, Bottlenose, Atlantic White Sided and Risso's Dolphins; Leatherback, Green and Loggerhead Turtles; Basking, Great White, Hammerhead, and Blue Sharks; Bluefin, Yellowfin, and Bigeye Tuna; White Marlin; Ocean Sunfish; Portuguese Man-of-War; and other marine life. . Birds: Cory's, Greater, Sooty, Manx, and Audubon's Shearwaters; Wilson's and Leach's Storm-Petrels; Northern Fulmar; Northern Gannet; Red-necked and Red Phalaropes; Pomarine, and Parasitic Jaegers; South Polar Skua; Greater Black-backed, Herring, Bonaparte's Gulls. Arthur H. Kopelman, Ph. D. President Coastal Research and Education Society of Long Island president AT cresli.org www.cresli.org (all e-mails scanned for viruses before sending) "When the last individual of a race of living things breathes no more, another heaven and another earth must pass before such a one can be again" William Beebe --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Re: skuas From: Dick Newell <dick.newell AT googlemail.com> Date: Thu, 28 May 2009 11:30:25 +0100 Bill's final remark prompted me to upload a PDF of a letter that I wrote to British Birds magazine last year about the identification of some British skuas. You can get to the letter via this link, which contains pictures of these skuas or directly here. My letter produced zero feedback or discussion, so maybe there are some folk interested here. I am grateful to the editor of BB for allowing me to do this. Dick Newell Cambridge, UK On Tue, May 26, 2009 at 4:21 PM, wrote: > The plumage of skuas > > Apropos the discussion by Messrs. Brothers, Wallace, Wanless and Jaramilla > about South Polar Skuas on 26 May, it should be noted that Edward Wilson > reported in 1907 (Aves, British Antarctic Expedition, Natural History 2(2): > 1-12) , as Bill Curtis and I discussed in British Birds 87: 289-298 in 1994, > that South Polar Skuas are prone to fade and then moult into darker plumage, > which may help explain why while "blond morphs" are seen migrating north in > the Pacific and west Atlantic, none are later seen migrating south in the > east Atlantic, where the authorities in Europe are still debating whether > they get Brown Skuas. > > Bill Bourne > wrpbourne AT yahoo.co.uk > > > > > > > --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Re: Upload file From: OceanWanderer <gadflypetrel AT hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 27 May 2009 17:29:04 -0700 (PDT) My apologies for Dick. I think I've figured out how to activate the upload button. Let me know if it still doesn't work. We've used 1% (1.4 MB) of the 100.0 MB storage quota, so feel free to post articles or images that will be of interest to the group. Currently, Seabird-News has more than 200 members, including an impressive roster of seabirding experts - some who post regularly and others who lurk like Tiger Sharks around an albatross colony at fledging time ;)) Cheers, Angus Wilson Moderator-in-Chief --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Upload file From: dick <dick.newell AT googlemail.com> Date: Wed, 27 May 2009 07:20:42 -0700 (PDT) Can anyone tell me how to upload a file to this group. Contrary to what the help system says, there is no "+ Upload file" button when I go to the "Files" section. Dick Newell Cambridge, UK --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Banded Laysan Albatross From: Roger Wolfe <rogwolfe AT cruzio.com> Date: Wed, 27 May 2009 06:03:19 -0700 On last Saturday's Monterey Seabird outing we had multiple sightings of LAYSAN ALBATROSS which are being seen in the Monterey Bay with increasing frequency the last couple of years. There has been some speculation that this may be due to the burgeoning new breeding colony at Guadalupe Island. We had one Laysan with an orange band on it that looked like a small cannister. Jeff Poklen got a decent photo of this bird and contacted seabird researcher Scott Shaffer at University of California Santa Cruz. It turns out one of his grad students Bill Henry is doing research on the Laysan's on Guadalupe for the Tagging of the Pacific Predators , here is what he had to say: "Nice shot Jeff. Yes, that is one of 12 birds in the Guadalupe Island Laysan population that is currently sporting a geolocation tag (it determines position by light and sea surface temperature). Chances are this is a breeder (would need the band number to know for sure) foraging to provision it's chick back on Guadalupe Island. The chick should fledge in the next month or so and the bird you photographed might be making it's last provisioning trip of the year. We've tracked Guadalupe LAAL birds up and down the CA coast on foraging trips of up to 15,000km in 21 days. Thanks for the sight and know I'm keen hear about any sightings of Laysan Albatross banded with Orange band that have Black writing. Feel free to drop a line if you'd like more info about this bird. Cheers, Bill link for a few Albatross stories from years past: http://www.topp.org/blog/billhenry Regards, Roger Wolfe Soquel, CA USA --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Re: Monterey Seabirds/MURPHY'S PETREL From: Force <pagodroma AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 27 May 2009 05:42:10 -0700 (PDT) Hi birders, We're just about to finish up an 8 day research cruise, working 6 to 45 NM from shore, Cypress Point to Bodega Head. I too was surprised at how close to shore were the Murphy's Petrels. I saw one or two every day, including one, 6 NM off Santa Cruz. Also a scattering of Hawaiian Petrels, a couple of Laysan Albatrosses and a couple of Horned Puffins. Are Ancient Murrelets normally this far south at this time of year? I was surprised to see one in definitivee alternate plumage. The first few days off Cypress Point were busy with land birds on board such as Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Baltimore Oriole, and 4 Eurasian Collared-Doves, among others. Michael Force currently aboard NOAA ship Miller Freeman On May 26, 2:02 pm, Roger Wolfe wrote: > The trip report for last Saturday's Monterey Seabirds is up on the > website at:http://www.montereyseabirds.com/SeabirdTripReport090523.htm > > We had a memorable trip with multiple sightings of MURPHY'S PETREL > recorded inside the bay for the first time ever plus LAYSAN ALBATROSS, > FRANKLIN'S GULL, MANX SHEARWATER and more! > > Jeff Poklen did an awesome job of obtaining photographs and they are > featured in the report. > > Our next outing is on Aug.16. Hope to see you then. > > Roger Wolfe for Monterey Seabirds > Soquel Canyon, California USA --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Monterey Seabirds/MURPHY'S PETREL From: Roger Wolfe <rogwolfe AT cruzio.com> Date: Tue, 26 May 2009 14:02:54 -0700 The trip report for last Saturday's Monterey Seabirds is up on the website at: http://www.montereyseabirds.com/SeabirdTripReport090523.htm We had a memorable trip with multiple sightings of MURPHY'S PETREL recorded inside the bay for the first time ever plus LAYSAN ALBATROSS, FRANKLIN'S GULL, MANX SHEARWATER and more! Jeff Poklen did an awesome job of obtaining photographs and they are featured in the report. Our next outing is on Aug.16. Hope to see you then. Roger Wolfe for Monterey Seabirds Soquel Canyon, California USA --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: skuas From: wrpbourne AT yahoo.co.uk Date: Tue, 26 May 2009 15:21:00 +0000 (GMT) The plumage of skuas   Apropos the discussion by Messrs. Brothers, Wallace, Wanless and Jaramilla about South Polar Skuas on 26 May, it should be noted that Edward Wilson reported in 1907 (Aves, British Antarctic Expedition, Natural History 2(2): 1-12) , as Bill Curtis and I discussed in British Birds 87: 289-298 in 1994, that South Polar Skuas are prone to fade and then moult into darker plumage, which may help explain why while "blond morphs" are seen migrating north in the Pacific and west Atlantic, none are later seen migrating south in the east Atlantic, where the authorities in Europe are still debating whether they get Brown Skuas.   Bill Bourne wrpbourne AT yahoo.co.uk     --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Re: Ponce Inlet FL Tuna pelagic From: Ross Wanless <rosswanless AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 26 May 2009 10:17:59 +0200 Hi Alvaro! and Bob Bob, sounds pretty convincing, and Brian's and Alvaro's records totally back that up. I'm not disputing the Seychelles records either (how could I, never having seen the evidence?), I just wonder why the more southerly breeder leapfrogs the Brown/Subant/Southern (damn these common names!) into the tropics and beyond. As an afterthought, as wierd climatic and oceanic things start to increase with climate change, we should pay close attention to difficult-to-ID groups like the skuas, as they might start moving around a bit more. Cheers Ross On Mon, May 25, 2009 at 9:23 PM, Robert Wallace wrote: > Hi Ross - there was some discussion on board about the possibility of Brown > Skua and Great Skua, but a number of observers with experience with SP Skua > reported many of the confirming characteristics, especially the dark overall > coloration, very visible white in the wings, and blonde nape.  My own > observations were not as good - after calling out the bird I ran for my > camera, which at first light I hadn't gotten out of my bag, only to have it > malfunction and I did not get either photos or good views when it was close > to the boat.  I will try to find out if anyone else got good photos. > Best, > Bob > > ________________________________ > From: Alvaro Jaramillo > To: Ross Wanless ; Robert Wallace ; > Michael Brothers > Sent: Monday, May 25, 2009 12:04:16 PM > Subject: RE: [Seabird-News:976] Re: Ponce Inlet FL Tuna pelagic > > Ross > >   We have no records of the Brown (Subantarctic) Skua for North America. > However, South Polars are common, particularly on the Pacific Ocean where we > have specimens, lots and lots of photos, and thousands of observations. The > issue in the Atlantic is South Polar vs. Great Skua, and that makes the > identification of a possible Brown Skua there much more difficult. The other > bit of interest is that in North America we hardly ever get those obvious > blond South Polars, and what may be occurring is that only the younger age > groups (juveniles to 3 year olds??) are the ones that cross the equator, the > adults perhaps stay much closer to home in the southern hemisphere. > > Cheers, > > Alvaro > > Alvaro Jaramillo > chucao AT coastside.net > Half Moon Bay, California > > Field Guides - Birding Tours Worldwide > www.fieldguides.com > --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Re: Ponce Inlet FL Tuna pelagic From: "J. BRIAN PATTESON" <patteson1 AT embarqmail.com> Date: Mon, 25 May 2009 19:06:36 -0500 We've seen probably over 40 skuas off Hatteras in the last six days w/ 20 or more on May 20 alone. All appeared to be South Polar Skuas. And yes, we've seen Brown Skuas down south where they breed. Brian Patteson Hatteras, NC ----- Original Message ----- From: "Robert Wallace" To: "Alvaro Jaramillo" ; "Ross Wanless" ; "Michael Brothers" Cc: "2Seabird News" Sent: Monday, May 25, 2009 2:23 PM Subject: [Seabird-News:977] Re: Ponce Inlet FL Tuna pelagic Hi Ross - there was some discussion on board about the possibility of Brown Skua and Great Skua, but a number of observers with experience with SP Skua reported many of the confirming characteristics, especially the dark overall coloration, very visible white in the wings, and blonde nape. My own observations were not as good - after calling out the bird I ran for my camera, which at first light I hadn't gotten out of my bag, only to have it malfunction and I did not get either photos or good views when it was close to the boat. I will try to find out if anyone else got good photos. Best, Bob ________________________________ From: Alvaro Jaramillo To: Ross Wanless ; Robert Wallace ; Michael Brothers Sent: Monday, May 25, 2009 12:04:16 PM Subject: RE: [Seabird-News:976] Re: Ponce Inlet FL Tuna pelagic Ross We have no records of the Brown (Subantarctic) Skua for North America. However, South Polars are common, particularly on the Pacific Ocean where we have specimens, lots and lots of photos, and thousands of observations. The issue in the Atlantic is South Polar vs. Great Skua, and that makes the identification of a possible Brown Skua there much more difficult. The other bit of interest is that in North America we hardly ever get those obvious blond South Polars, and what may be occurring is that only the younger age groups (juveniles to 3 year olds??) are the ones that cross the equator, the adults perhaps stay much closer to home in the southern hemisphere. Cheers, Alvaro Alvaro Jaramillo chucao AT coastside.net Half Moon Bay, California Field Guides - Birding Tours Worldwide www.fieldguides.com -----Original Message----- From: Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com [mailto:Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Ross Wanless Sent: Monday, May 25, 2009 8:38 AM To: Robert Wallace Cc: Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com Subject: [Seabird-News:976] Re: Ponce Inlet FL Tuna pelagic Hi Bob Thanks for the report - sounds like pretty eventful pelagic, and bummer that the big one seemingly got away! Your record of a S Polar skua caught my eye. I have seen many SP Skua records from the tropical Seychelles, too, but have wondered whether these were confirmed IDs or if there could be subantarctic (southern) skuas in the mix. It's pretty difficult to separate the two at the best of times (unless you have a blonde morph SP Skua). Did you or anyone else get images, or have you got supporting notes - I'd be really interested to see these. Cheers Ross On Mon, May 25, 2009 at 5:22 PM, Robert Wallace wrote: > Greetings - yesterday 50 persons weathered 5-7' seas and heavy squalls 60 > miles offshore aboard the Passtime Princess, a 100' boat out of New Smyrna > Beach FL. The trip was organized by Michael Brothers of the Ponce Inlet > Marine Science Institute, an educational and turtle/bird rehab facility at > Daytona Beach, FL. The goal of the trip was to reach the tuna grounds, and > area 90-120 nm offshore of Ponce de Leon Inlet, beyond the eastern wall of > the Gulf Stream in 2500-3000 feet of water, where schools of yellowfin tuna > attract large numbers of pelagic birds from April-October. > > We left the dock at 4:30 am. Conditions were a bit rough, heading into 15 > kt winds and a head sea for 6 hours to reach the other side of the stream. > However, the birds made up for the ride. About 25 nm off, in an area of > live bottom, a South Polar Skua was the first bird of the day, seen at first > light. A lifer for many on board, this was a pretty good way to start the > day! The huge sub-tropical storm that generated 50 kt winds and up to 27" > of rain in Daytona all the week before had pushed the inshore edge of the > Gulf Stream to 36 nm off (normally 42), and there had been numerous reports > of Leach's Storm Petrels and Sooty Shearwaters from the beaches along the > east coast of FL. Unfortunately, there was not a good edge or weedline, so > we proceeded across the stream, trying to shoot the gaps between squalls. > Fairly soon into the stream we started seeing Storm Petrels, mostly Leach's, > and approx 50nm off we found our first Black-capped Petrel, a target bird > for the trip, which circled the boat and gave everyone good looks. Trolling > as we motored, we also caught 2 dolphin (mahi), and lost a large fish, > probably a big tuna, that burned about 300 yards of line and pulled the > hook. > > The rain finally got us about 60nm off, but in the middle of a hard squall, > with sheets of rain, someone yelled "what's that white bird?"! A beautiful > full adult White-tailed Tropicbird flew up the boat, circling it repeatedly > for 10 minutes at very close distances. Its tail plumes were yellow. > Despite the rain, many got great pictures of it. > > Continuing to chum, 2 birds appeared very far back in the slick that only a > few people at the stern saw, and though we turned the boat around and ran > back down the slick, we never found them again. One appeared to be an > Audubon's Shearwater gliding low over the water, lots of white underneath. > The other bird was described as large as the Audubons, all dark, no white > rump, and flew like a Storm Petrel...did the best bird of the day get away? > There is one sight record in FL for Bulwers Petrel in May, 90 miles off > Jacksonville. > > We finally broke through the squall line, and the weather cleared and > conditions improved. At 90 nm off, beyond the east side of the stream, the > water termperature dropped slightly, and the birding improved again, with > scattered small flocks of Sooty terns over fish, probably Skipjack tuna. In > association with the fish schools were shearwaters underneath - mostly > Audubons and one Cory's, scattered storm petrels (mostly Band-rumped), and 2 > Black-capped Petrels. The previous sub-tropical system probably disturbed > the fish in the area, as we never found any large schools. Sometimes these > tuna schools can cover hundreds of acres, with literally hundreds of Sooty > Terns and many tubenoses in attendance, a truly dramatic sight! > > The run downsea home was much better, and conditions improved all the way > in. No more rain, calm seas, but not as many birds, though we did find > another band of Leach's and our only Wilson's Storm Petrel of the day about > 50nm off, where all of the activity was earlier in the morning. The > following is list of sightings: > > Whte-tailed Tropicbird 1 > Northern Gannet 2 > Brown Pelican 4 > Black-capped Petrel 3 > Cory's Shearwater 2 > Audubon's Shearwater 6 > Wilson's Storm-Petrel 1 > Band-rumped Storm-Petrel 5 > Leach's Stomr-Petrel 25 > Storm-Petrel sp. 10 > Sooty Tern 25 > Black Tern 1 > Common/Arctic Tern? 1 > Laughing Gull 2 > South Polar Skua 1 > > Though it was a long day, it was a very productive day for pelagic birding > off of Florida. The Princess is a good boat with a Captain that has become > very proficient at following birds, and is a stable platform with excellent > viewing from the upper deck. This boat is also used for the pelagic at the > Space Coast Birding Festival, held in January each year. > > Bob Wallace > New Smyrna Beach, FL > > > > -- Ross Wanless +27 73 675 3267 --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Re: Ponce Inlet FL Tuna pelagic From: Robert Wallace <chnuts AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 25 May 2009 12:23:41 -0700 (PDT) Hi Ross - there was some discussion on board about the possibility of Brown Skua and Great Skua, but a number of observers with experience with SP Skua reported many of the confirming characteristics, especially the dark overall coloration, very visible white in the wings, and blonde nape. My own observations were not as good - after calling out the bird I ran for my camera, which at first light I hadn't gotten out of my bag, only to have it malfunction and I did not get either photos or good views when it was close to the boat. I will try to find out if anyone else got good photos. Best, Bob ________________________________ From: Alvaro Jaramillo To: Ross Wanless ; Robert Wallace ; Michael Brothers Sent: Monday, May 25, 2009 12:04:16 PM Subject: RE: [Seabird-News:976] Re: Ponce Inlet FL Tuna pelagic Ross We have no records of the Brown (Subantarctic) Skua for North America. However, South Polars are common, particularly on the Pacific Ocean where we have specimens, lots and lots of photos, and thousands of observations. The issue in the Atlantic is South Polar vs. Great Skua, and that makes the identification of a possible Brown Skua there much more difficult. The other bit of interest is that in North America we hardly ever get those obvious blond South Polars, and what may be occurring is that only the younger age groups (juveniles to 3 year olds??) are the ones that cross the equator, the adults perhaps stay much closer to home in the southern hemisphere. Cheers, Alvaro Alvaro Jaramillo chucao AT coastside.net Half Moon Bay, California Field Guides - Birding Tours Worldwide www.fieldguides.com -----Original Message----- From: Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com [mailto:Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Ross Wanless Sent: Monday, May 25, 2009 8:38 AM To: Robert Wallace Cc: Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com Subject: [Seabird-News:976] Re: Ponce Inlet FL Tuna pelagic Hi Bob Thanks for the report - sounds like pretty eventful pelagic, and bummer that the big one seemingly got away! Your record of a S Polar skua caught my eye. I have seen many SP Skua records from the tropical Seychelles, too, but have wondered whether these were confirmed IDs or if there could be subantarctic (southern) skuas in the mix. It's pretty difficult to separate the two at the best of times (unless you have a blonde morph SP Skua). Did you or anyone else get images, or have you got supporting notes - I'd be really interested to see these. Cheers Ross On Mon, May 25, 2009 at 5:22 PM, Robert Wallace wrote: > Greetings - yesterday 50 persons weathered 5-7' seas and heavy squalls 60 > miles offshore aboard the Passtime Princess, a 100' boat out of New Smyrna > Beach FL. The trip was organized by Michael Brothers of the Ponce Inlet > Marine Science Institute, an educational and turtle/bird rehab facility at > Daytona Beach, FL. The goal of the trip was to reach the tuna grounds, and > area 90-120 nm offshore of Ponce de Leon Inlet, beyond the eastern wall of > the Gulf Stream in 2500-3000 feet of water, where schools of yellowfin tuna > attract large numbers of pelagic birds from April-October. > > We left the dock at 4:30 am. Conditions were a bit rough, heading into 15 > kt winds and a head sea for 6 hours to reach the other side of the stream. > However, the birds made up for the ride. About 25 nm off, in an area of > live bottom, a South Polar Skua was the first bird of the day, seen at first > light. A lifer for many on board, this was a pretty good way to start the > day! The huge sub-tropical storm that generated 50 kt winds and up to 27" > of rain in Daytona all the week before had pushed the inshore edge of the > Gulf Stream to 36 nm off (normally 42), and there had been numerous reports > of Leach's Storm Petrels and Sooty Shearwaters from the beaches along the > east coast of FL. Unfortunately, there was not a good edge or weedline, so > we proceeded across the stream, trying to shoot the gaps between squalls. > Fairly soon into the stream we started seeing Storm Petrels, mostly Leach's, > and approx 50nm off we found our first Black-capped Petrel, a target bird > for the trip, which circled the boat and gave everyone good looks. Trolling > as we motored, we also caught 2 dolphin (mahi), and lost a large fish, > probably a big tuna, that burned about 300 yards of line and pulled the > hook. > > The rain finally got us about 60nm off, but in the middle of a hard squall, > with sheets of rain, someone yelled "what's that white bird?"! A beautiful > full adult White-tailed Tropicbird flew up the boat, circling it repeatedly > for 10 minutes at very close distances. Its tail plumes were yellow. > Despite the rain, many got great pictures of it. > > Continuing to chum, 2 birds appeared very far back in the slick that only a > few people at the stern saw, and though we turned the boat around and ran > back down the slick, we never found them again. One appeared to be an > Audubon's Shearwater gliding low over the water, lots of white underneath. > The other bird was described as large as the Audubons, all dark, no white > rump, and flew like a Storm Petrel...did the best bird of the day get away? > There is one sight record in FL for Bulwers Petrel in May, 90 miles off > Jacksonville. > > We finally broke through the squall line, and the weather cleared and > conditions improved. At 90 nm off, beyond the east side of the stream, the > water termperature dropped slightly, and the birding improved again, with > scattered small flocks of Sooty terns over fish, probably Skipjack tuna. In > association with the fish schools were shearwaters underneath - mostly > Audubons and one Cory's, scattered storm petrels (mostly Band-rumped), and 2 > Black-capped Petrels. The previous sub-tropical system probably disturbed > the fish in the area, as we never found any large schools. Sometimes these > tuna schools can cover hundreds of acres, with literally hundreds of Sooty > Terns and many tubenoses in attendance, a truly dramatic sight! > > The run downsea home was much better, and conditions improved all the way > in. No more rain, calm seas, but not as many birds, though we did find > another band of Leach's and our only Wilson's Storm Petrel of the day about > 50nm off, where all of the activity was earlier in the morning. The > following is list of sightings: > > Whte-tailed Tropicbird 1 > Northern Gannet 2 > Brown Pelican 4 > Black-capped Petrel 3 > Cory's Shearwater 2 > Audubon's Shearwater 6 > Wilson's Storm-Petrel 1 > Band-rumped Storm-Petrel 5 > Leach's Stomr-Petrel 25 > Storm-Petrel sp. 10 > Sooty Tern 25 > Black Tern 1 > Common/Arctic Tern? 1 > Laughing Gull 2 > South Polar Skua 1 > > Though it was a long day, it was a very productive day for pelagic birding > off of Florida. The Princess is a good boat with a Captain that has become > very proficient at following birds, and is a stable platform with excellent > viewing from the upper deck. This boat is also used for the pelagic at the > Space Coast Birding Festival, held in January each year. > > Bob Wallace > New Smyrna Beach, FL > > > > -- Ross Wanless +27 73 675 3267 --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Re: Ponce Inlet FL Tuna pelagic From: Ross Wanless <rosswanless AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 25 May 2009 17:38:28 +0200 Hi Bob Thanks for the report - sounds like pretty eventful pelagic, and bummer that the big one seemingly got away! Your record of a S Polar skua caught my eye. I have seen many SP Skua records from the tropical Seychelles, too, but have wondered whether these were confirmed IDs or if there could be subantarctic (southern) skuas in the mix. It's pretty difficult to separate the two at the best of times (unless you have a blonde morph SP Skua). Did you or anyone else get images, or have you got supporting notes - I'd be really interested to see these. Cheers Ross On Mon, May 25, 2009 at 5:22 PM, Robert Wallace wrote: > Greetings - yesterday 50 persons weathered 5-7' seas and heavy squalls 60 > miles offshore aboard the Passtime Princess, a 100' boat out of New Smyrna > Beach FL.  The trip was organized by Michael Brothers of the Ponce Inlet > Marine Science Institute, an educational and turtle/bird rehab facility at > Daytona Beach, FL.  The goal of the trip was to reach the tuna grounds, and > area 90-120 nm offshore of Ponce de Leon Inlet, beyond the eastern wall of > the Gulf Stream in 2500-3000 feet of water, where schools of yellowfin tuna > attract large numbers of pelagic birds from April-October. > > We left the dock at 4:30 am.  Conditions were a bit rough, heading into 15 > kt winds and a head sea for 6 hours to reach the other side of the stream. > However, the birds made up for the ride.  About 25 nm off, in an area of > live bottom, a South Polar Skua was the first bird of the day, seen at first > light.  A lifer for many on board, this was a pretty good way to start the > day!  The huge sub-tropical storm that generated 50 kt winds and up to 27" > of rain in Daytona all the week before had pushed the inshore edge of the > Gulf Stream to 36 nm off (normally 42), and there had been numerous reports > of Leach's Storm Petrels and Sooty Shearwaters from the beaches along the > east coast of FL.  Unfortunately, there was not a good edge or weedline, so > we proceeded across the stream, trying to shoot the gaps between squalls. > Fairly soon into the stream we started seeing Storm Petrels, mostly Leach's, > and approx 50nm off we found our first Black-capped Petrel, a target bird > for the trip, which circled the boat and gave everyone good looks.  Trolling > as we motored, we also caught 2 dolphin (mahi), and lost a large fish, > probably a big tuna, that burned about 300 yards of line and pulled the > hook. > > The rain finally got us about 60nm off, but in the middle of a hard squall, > with sheets of rain, someone yelled "what's that white bird?"!  A beautiful > full adult White-tailed Tropicbird flew up the boat, circling it repeatedly > for 10 minutes at very close distances.  Its tail plumes were yellow. > Despite the rain, many got great pictures of it. > > Continuing to chum, 2 birds appeared very far back in the slick that only a > few people at the stern saw, and though we turned the boat around and ran > back down the slick, we never found them again.  One appeared to be an > Audubon's Shearwater gliding low over the water, lots of white underneath. > The other bird was described as large as the Audubons, all dark, no white > rump, and flew like a Storm Petrel...did the best bird of the day get away? > There is one sight record in FL for Bulwers Petrel in May, 90 miles off > Jacksonville. > > We finally broke through the squall line, and the weather cleared and > conditions improved.  At 90 nm off, beyond the east side of the stream, the > water termperature dropped slightly, and the birding improved again, with > scattered small flocks of Sooty terns over fish, probably Skipjack tuna.  In > association with the fish schools were shearwaters underneath - mostly > Audubons and one Cory's, scattered storm petrels (mostly Band-rumped), and 2 > Black-capped Petrels.  The previous sub-tropical system probably disturbed > the fish in the area, as we never found any large schools.  Sometimes these > tuna schools can cover hundreds of acres, with literally hundreds of Sooty > Terns and many tubenoses in attendance, a truly dramatic sight! > > The run downsea home was much better, and conditions improved all the way > in.  No more rain, calm seas, but not as many birds, though we did find > another band of Leach's and our only Wilson's Storm Petrel of the day about > 50nm off, where all of the activity was earlier in the morning.  The > following is list of sightings: > > Whte-tailed Tropicbird  1 > Northern Gannet  2 > Brown Pelican 4 > Black-capped Petrel 3 > Cory's Shearwater  2 > Audubon's Shearwater  6 > Wilson's Storm-Petrel 1 > Band-rumped Storm-Petrel  5 > Leach's Stomr-Petrel 25 > Storm-Petrel sp.  10 > Sooty Tern  25 > Black Tern 1 > Common/Arctic Tern?  1 > Laughing Gull  2 > South Polar Skua  1 > > Though it was a long day, it was a very productive day for pelagic birding > off of Florida.  The Princess is a good boat with a Captain that has become > very proficient at following birds, and is a stable platform with excellent > viewing from the upper deck.  This boat is also used for the pelagic at the > Space Coast Birding Festival, held in January each year. > > Bob Wallace > New Smyrna Beach, FL > > > > -- Ross Wanless +27 73 675 3267 --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Ponce Inlet FL Tuna pelagic From: Robert Wallace <chnuts AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 25 May 2009 08:22:03 -0700 (PDT) Greetings - yesterday 50 persons weathered 5-7' seas and heavy squalls 60 miles offshore aboard the Passtime Princess, a 100' boat out of New Smyrna Beach FL. The trip was organized by Michael Brothers of the Ponce Inlet Marine Science Institute, an educational and turtle/bird rehab facility at Daytona Beach, FL. The goal of the trip was to reach the tuna grounds, and area 90-120 nm offshore of Ponce de Leon Inlet, beyond the eastern wall of the Gulf Stream in 2500-3000 feet of water, where schools of yellowfin tuna attract large numbers of pelagic birds from April-October. We left the dock at 4:30 am. Conditions were a bit rough, heading into 15 kt winds and a head sea for 6 hours to reach the other side of the stream. However, the birds made up for the ride. About 25 nm off, in an area of live bottom, a South Polar Skua was the first bird of the day, seen at first light. A lifer for many on board, this was a pretty good way to start the day! The huge sub-tropical storm that generated 50 kt winds and up to 27" of rain in Daytona all the week before had pushed the inshore edge of the Gulf Stream to 36 nm off (normally 42), and there had been numerous reports of Leach's Storm Petrels and Sooty Shearwaters from the beaches along the east coast of FL. Unfortunately, there was not a good edge or weedline, so we proceeded across the stream, trying to shoot the gaps between squalls. Fairly soon into the stream we started seeing Storm Petrels, mostly Leach's, and approx 50nm off we found our first Black-capped Petrel, a target bird for the trip, which circled the boat and gave everyone good looks. Trolling as we motored, we also caught 2 dolphin (mahi), and lost a large fish, probably a big tuna, that burned about 300 yards of line and pulled the hook. The rain finally got us about 60nm off, but in the middle of a hard squall, with sheets of rain, someone yelled "what's that white bird?"! A beautiful full adult White-tailed Tropicbird flew up the boat, circling it repeatedly for 10 minutes at very close distances. Its tail plumes were yellow. Despite the rain, many got great pictures of it. Continuing to chum, 2 birds appeared very far back in the slick that only a few people at the stern saw, and though we turned the boat around and ran back down the slick, we never found them again. One appeared to be an Audubon's Shearwater gliding low over the water, lots of white underneath. The other bird was described as large as the Audubons, all dark, no white rump, and flew like a Storm Petrel...did the best bird of the day get away? There is one sight record in FL for Bulwers Petrel in May, 90 miles off Jacksonville. We finally broke through the squall line, and the weather cleared and conditions improved. At 90 nm off, beyond the east side of the stream, the water termperature dropped slightly, and the birding improved again, with scattered small flocks of Sooty terns over fish, probably Skipjack tuna. In association with the fish schools were shearwaters underneath - mostly Audubons and one Cory's, scattered storm petrels (mostly Band-rumped), and 2 Black-capped Petrels. The previous sub-tropical system probably disturbed the fish in the area, as we never found any large schools. Sometimes these tuna schools can cover hundreds of acres, with literally hundreds of Sooty Terns and many tubenoses in attendance, a truly dramatic sight! The run downsea home was much better, and conditions improved all the way in. No more rain, calm seas, but not as many birds, though we did find another band of Leach's and our only Wilson's Storm Petrel of the day about 50nm off, where all of the activity was earlier in the morning. The following is list of sightings: Whte-tailed Tropicbird 1 Northern Gannet 2 Brown Pelican 4 Black-capped Petrel 3 Cory's Shearwater 2 Audubon's Shearwater 6 Wilson's Storm-Petrel 1 Band-rumped Storm-Petrel 5 Leach's Stomr-Petrel 25 Storm-Petrel sp. 10 Sooty Tern 25 Black Tern 1 Common/Arctic Tern? 1 Laughing Gull 2 South Polar Skua 1 Though it was a long day, it was a very productive day for pelagic birding off of Florida. The Princess is a good boat with a Captain that has become very proficient at following birds, and is a stable platform with excellent viewing from the upper deck. This boat is also used for the pelagic at the Space Coast Birding Festival, held in January each year. Bob Wallace New Smyrna Beach, FL --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Black-capped Petrel returns to the Azores? From: Angus Wilson <gadflypetrel AT hotmail.com> Date: Sat, 23 May 2009 13:15:29 -0400 On 22 May 2009, a Black-capped Petrel (Pterodroma hasitata) was photographed at sea by João Quaresma some 5-6 miles south of Queimada, Pico. Interestingly, the first record for the archipelago was photographed off Graciosa on 26 May 2007. Photos of both birds are posted on the Birding Azores web site: http://azores.seawatching.net/index.php?page=onespecies&id=199 Cheers, Angus Wilson New York, USA _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail® goes with you. http://windowslive.com/Tutorial/Hotmail/Mobile?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_HM_Tutorial_Mobile1_052009 --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: July 25th and Aug 24-26 Deepwater California Pelagics From: Todd Mcgrath <toddamcgrath AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 20 May 2009 17:33:04 -0700 (PDT) Birders, Here is some information on two upcoming pelagics speonsored by the Los Angeles (July 25th) and Buena Vista (August 24-26) Audubon Societies July 25th The Condor Express will be headed out to deep water (either the San Juan Seamount or Arguello Canyon, depending on weather and sea surface temps). This is a 12-14 hour trip. Our one previous trip at this time of year produced a Tristam's Storm-petrel and a Red-billed Tropicbird. Late July is an ideal time to look for Cook's Petrels, and there have already been reports well into Northern CA (including three on our May trip from San Diego in early May). Perhaps 2009 will resemble 2005, when Cook's Petrels were seen repeatedly on deepwater trips throughout the summer, including one from the Condor Express in early September 2005. Speaking of 2005, A Ringed Storm-petrel was photgraphed from a NOAA vessel August 5, 2005 SW of Santa Rosa, an area we will likely cover on this trip. This is a great time to look for other southern vagrants such as Hawaiian Petrel (recorded in early Sept, but possible April to Sept with a peak in Jul-Aug), as well as the southern races of Leach's storm-petrel, one of which is a good candidiate for a split. Ashy and Black Storm-petrels are ususally present in good numbers this time of year, and Xantus's (both races) and Craveri's Murrelets are also possible. The Condor Express is a fast stable Catamaran will a large comfortable cabin and great viewing from the two decks. We have done two birding on the boat this spring, with the first trip recording a pair of Parakeet Auklets, and the second finding a Horned Puffin. Our only deepwater trip of the spring was weathered out; July is usually a great weather month, so weather should not be a factor. The boat is more than half full, so please sign-up as soon as possible. The cost is $195 and the boat leaves from Santa Barbara at 7AM, with an expected return of between 7 and 8 PM. August 24-26 (4pm to 4pm) We will be doing a 48 hour pelagic from San Diego on the Grande. We have been running these trips for about year, and this is the trip to be on for Red-billed Tropcibird (never missed on a Grande 48 hour trip). This trip will visit the far southern reaches of the ABA area, looking for the vagrants noted in the July 25th trip. Cost is $285 ($250 before July 24th). If asked to compare these trips, I would say that the Condor Express trip probably has a better shot at deepwater petrels such as Hawaiian, as this trip will spend time in 2000+ fathom water. More notherly residents such as Asky storm-petrel will also be more numerous. Both trips have an excellent chance to see the Gualalupe Island summer breeding race of Leach's storm-petrel, murrelets, and red-billed tropicbird (with an edge on tropicbird to the Grande). Both these trips will be well stocked with experienced, helpful leaders. Late August is a better time to look for Least storm-petrel, and the Grande will spend more time near shore where this species is more frequent. Both trips will likely see Black storm-petrels. Alcids are unpredicatble in the summer, but give the Condor Express the advantage on northern alcids like Cassin's and Rhinocerous Auklets. Murrelets could go either way. In short, both of these trips have good rarity potential, plus should provide a variety of some sought after regualr species. For you county listers, the Condor Express trip will be in SBC and likely VEN, while the Grande trip will focus on SD and LA. Please note that these trips have different sposnors. Go to Socalbirding.com for sign-up information on both these trips. I hope to see you on one or both of these trips. So far 2009 is off to a great pelagic start, and I am sure that there are more goodies out there waiting to be found. Todd McGrath SKUA AT ... Marina Del Rey (soon to be Calabasas) Visit SoCalbirding.com for more details --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Seychelles - Bulweria special! From: Ross Wanless <rosswanless AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 17 May 2009 21:14:23 +0200 Hi all I guided a VENT tour to the Seychelles in March. Apologies for such a late posting of this – it has taken me till now to get the rarities forms completed, photos sorted and submitted. The tropical western Indian Ocean is not exactly heaving with special seabirds - mostly common pantropical species seen close to islands, with precious little in between. However, it's the precious little, as opposed to nothing, that is the subject of this report. The trip was done mostly on the lovely Le Poinant vessel – a beautiful platform for observing the tropical Seychelles indeed! Aside from a complete clean-up tour of the granitics and Aldabra groups, bagging all the endemics and the overwhelming majority of native breeding species, there were a couple of noteworthy rarities, including seabirds, on the trip. On 17 March, shortly after leaving Cosmoledo Atoll and heading northwards, three stalwart pelagic birders remained on deck scouring the flat-calm tropical blue seas for any life. Our dedication paid off when a bird that at first glance appeared to be a noddy crossed our bow closely. It transpired that we were in fact watching a Bulwer’s Petrel – a lifer for all three of us and a new species (if it is accepted by the records committee) for the Seychelles list. This is a surprising record given the presence of the congeneric Jouanin’s in these waters. However, we had pretty good, sustained looks under ideal viewing conditions and there was no doubt in our minds. Our ID was confirmed by several good looks the following day of Jouanin’s, which were seen as well (and this time photographed) and differed significantly from the Bulwers. The abundance of all-dark petrels was unexpected, although one bird every couple of hours doesn’t really qualify for ‘abundant’ on even the dullest of pelagic trips! But seriously, those who put in the hours on the hot deck got to see the birds, which, true to form, ignored the boat completely and didn’t come in for even the briefest of closer looks, and in every instance were gone before word could reach the other birders on board. Anyone else lucky enough to potter around the blue wastes of the central Seychelles would be well advised to do put in the hours on deck with binoculars and camera to hand – I suspect that Jouanin’s at least is more common (possibly a recent phenomenon?) than the paucity of records suggest. It was particularly satisfying to see both members of the genus Bulweria. And thanks to Victor and the VENT team for an awesome tour! Cheers Ross -- Ross Wanless +27 73 675 3267 --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Trip Report: SoCal Cook’s Petrels, Laysan Albatrosses, Tropicbird From: thunefeld <thunefeld AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 12 May 2009 16:36:52 -0700 (PDT) Greetings The Buena Vista Audubon’s 48-hour pelagic trip over the weekend of May 9-11, 2009 from San Diego aboard Grande took us as far south and west as possible in ABA waters along the Mexican border. All participants enjoyed dynamic aerial displays of three COOK’S PETRELS. At the Nine Mile Bank we saw an unusually-close-to-the-mainland Skua and picked the first two of nearly 50 Black-footed Albatrosses we would see on the trip. Grande has never missed on Red-Billed Tropicbird on the weekend overnight trips and this trip was no exception – just beyond the Thirty Mile Bank at the San Clemente Basin we flushed a RED-BILLED TROPICBIRD and picked up our first two of 14 LAYSAN ALBATROSSES for the trip. As Google Maps and GPS mapping technology have evolved, we’ve experimented with various formats of illustrating pelagic trip tracks. I believe Matt Sadowski hit the jackpot with his new format to display our May 9-11 trip to the southwest corner of ABA waters. Matt’s ingenious format is at once easy to comprehend and full of detail. Thanks, Matt, for setting a new standard. Matt’s trip maps, a full trip report, species seen list and trip photos for the May 9-11 SoCal deepwater pelagic trip are now posted at: http://socalbirding.com/tripreports/sandiegomay9102009.html The Buena Vista Audubon and the Los Angeles Audubon Societies offer a full slate of deep-water pelagic seabirding trips every spring, summer and fall from San Diego (aboard Grande) and Santa Barbara (aboard the Condor Express). Deep-water trips are scheduled for July, Aug, Sept, Oct and November of this year. All trips and registration details are posted at http://www.SoCalBirding.com under the “UPCOMING TRIPS” link. http://socalbirding.com/upcomingtrips.html See you “out there.” W. Terry Hunefeld, Encinitas Life is short. Seabird often. SoCal Seabirding Trips Buena Vista Audubon Society http://www.SoCalBirding.com Los Coronados Islands Nine-mile, Thirty-mile, Sixty-mile Banks Cortes & Tanner Banks Channel Islands Keep track of SoCal Pelagic shenanigans. Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/SoCalBirding --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: First Cahow chick hatches on Nonsuch Island in centuries From: Nate Dias <offshorebirder AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 12 May 2009 07:54:01 -0700 (PDT) Good news for Bermuda Petrel recovery efforts: http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2009/05/cahow_chick.html Nathan Dias - Charleston, SC --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Pterodroma deep water trip in September from San Diego From: thunefeld <thunefeld AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 8 May 2009 18:31:02 -0700 (PDT) Greetings, I received an email from Celia Condit, owner of Searcher Natural History Tours, reporting that the SEARCHER deep water expedition this coming Labor Day week (Sept 7-11 Monday - Friday) is already half sold out. There are only 12 spots left for this one-of-a-kind, awesome live- aboard pelagic birding experience. This is THE trip with chances for Bulwer's Petrel, Stejneger's Petrel, Hawaiian Petrel, Streaked Shearwater, Buller's Shearwater, five species of Storm-Petrel, tropicbirds, South Polar Skua, 3 jaeger species, Sabine's Gull, Arctic Tern, Craveri's Murrelet. For trip details, photos and history of these trips: http://www.socalbirding.com/upcomingtrips/searchersep711.html Here more Searcher information including the the past 6 years of trip lists: http://www.socalbirding.com/searcherexpeditions.html Terry Hunefeld, San Diego Life is short. Seabird often. Seabirding Trips From San Diego Buena Vista Audubon Society http://www.SoCalBirding.com Los Coronados Islands Nine-mile, Thirty-mile, Sixty-mile Banks Cortes & Tanner Banks Channel Islands Keep track of SoCal Pelagic shenanigans. Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/SoCalBirding --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Extreme Pelagic to Continental Shelf off Massachusetts; 27 June 2009. From: Richard Heil <rsheil AT comcast.net> Date: Thu, 07 May 2009 19:32:48 -0400 'EXTREME PELAGIC' BOAT TRIP - 27 JUNE 2009 Join the BROOKLINE BIRD CLUB on 27 June 2009 for the first in a series of extensive all day PELAGIC BOAT TRIPS out of HYANNIS, MASSACHUSETTS to the deep, warm, blue waters of the CONTINENTAL SHELF in the vicinity of VEATCH and HYDROGRAPHER CANYONS some 100 miles S-SE of Nantucket. These waters are truly the last frontier in Massachusetts and New England ornithology. Back in 2007 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 2007 Macaronesian Shearwater event was an excellent start, but there is more out there waiting for us to discover! We are sure of it. 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 'Scopoli's' Shearwater, Audubon's Shearwater, Leach's and Band-rumped Storm-Petrel, Great and South Polar Skua, Long-tailed Jaeger, and Bridled Tern. All of these have been seen on our trips, some in numbers. However, there are no guarantees, in life, or on pelagic boat trips. The marine mammal show is often 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). The availability of the Helen "H" for these shelf trips 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. 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. There is the potential for nice photographic opportunities as well on these cruises. Further information: Marshall Iliff, Steve Mirick, Jeremiah Trimble, and I will be leading. Each trip is limited to 73 people, and individual trips cost $120.00 for BBC members and $140.00 for non-members.* To reserve a space on any trip, send a check for the full amount along with a signed waiver to: June 27 from Hyannis, MA to the continental shelf. Board at 3:30AM, return around 9 PM. Cost is $120.00 for BBC members, $140.00 for non-members with a possible surcharge dependent on the cost of fuel and change in market conditions. BROOKLINE BIRD CLUB AGENT Ida Giriunas 83 Summer Avenue Reading, MA, 01867 Please be sure to include either your email or your postal address for confirmation, boarding instructions, and further information. Boarding will be in according to the order in which you sign up and agree to the necessary waiver. For additional information and the waiver to be signed, contact Ida at 781-929-8772 or ida8 AT verizon.net The trips will be cancelled if the quota is not met. Food is available on board. There is limited free parking. *Please be advised that because of the possible increase in the cost of fuel, there may be a surcharge to cover the extra expense. Other trips in the 2009 Extreme Pelagic Series are scheduled for 18 July and 22-23 August (an exciting 42 hour overnight trip with extensive time at and off the shelf edge!). Richard S. Heil S. Peabody, MA rsheil AT comcast.net --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: SoCal Deep Water Pelagic May 9-11 from San Diego From: thunefeld <thunefeld AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 29 Apr 2009 09:49:12 -0700 (PDT) Greetings The only opportunity to bird in SoCal Deep Water this spring will be aboard Grande on May 9-11 chartered by the Buena Vista Audubon Society. VENT leader and author Brad Schram (American Birding Association's "A Birder's Guide To Southern California") will be a guest leader, joining SoCal leaders/guides/spotters and question-answerers Todd (Skua) McGrath, Paul (PAJA) Lehman, Jon (Tricolored Blackbird) Feenstra, Dave (Mountain Lion x 2) Pereksta and Chummer Wes (ole fishguts) Fritz. Grande will depart Point Loma at 6:00 a.m. Saturday morning, May 9, returning to the dock at 6:00 a.m. Monday morning in time to get to work on Monday. We’ll enjoy 48 hours of solid pelagic birding time – a full day of it about 100 miles offshore – to see what's out there this spring. This trip may be the best opportunity this year for Murphy's Petrels in ABA waters and an opportunity for Cook’s Petrel and Flesh-footed Shearwater. May is an excellent month for Ashy, Leach’s and Black Storm-Petrels. Reserve on or before April 30 and save $40. Pterodroma reports: http://socalbirding.com/seabirdreference/petrels.html Trip Details: http://www.socalbirding.com/upcomingtrips/sandiegomay9102009.html or http://www.socalbirding.com W. Terry Hunefeld, San Diego Life is short. Seabird often. Seabirding Trips From San Diego Buena Vista Audubon Society http://www.SoCalBirding.com Los Coronados Islands Nine-mile, Thirty-mile, Sixty-mile Banks Cortes & Tanner Banks Channel Islands --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Western Pacific Odyssey 2009 - a report From: Tony Pym <tony_pym AT hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:58:59 +0100 Hi everyone Western Pacific Odyssey (March/April 2009) The report for those that travelled with Ornitholidays and Cruises for Nature is now on the web and can be accessed here: www.seabirding.co.uk Go into 'Trip Reports' and it's the top one. There are some great photos included, of some mouth-watering birds like Short-tailed Albatross, Japanese Crested Murrelet, Matsudaira's Storm-petrel, Bonin Petrel plus more. Only record shots were taken of Heinroth's Shearwater, and the Beck's Petrels were just too distant for the cameras. Also of interest are photos of a Ginkgo-toothed Beaked Whale, a rare and poorly known species - see the 'More Photos' section. The cruise was outstanding for its variety - 39 species of procellariids and 16 species of cetaceans tallied. Many of the seabirds seen being uncommon or range-restricted. It was a seabirding trip from heaven! Best regards Tony Pym _________________________________________________________________ View your Twitter and Flickr updates from one place – Learn more! http://clk.atdmt.com/UKM/go/137984870/direct/01/ --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Western Pacific Odyssey the final stretch....Short-tailed Albatross's galore From: John Brodie-Good <john.brodiegood AT btinternet.com> Date: Sat, 18 Apr 2009 10:28:48 +0100 Hi all, The final few days of this year's voyage seemed a great success. The vessel again got close to Torishima Island with 20 or more Short- tailed Albatross's chummed in close to the ship, much to the delight of all onboard, especially the photographers! The main colony of approx 100 birds could be seen in the distance. A resting flock of 350 Tristram's Storm-Petrels on the ocean the next day must have been quite a sight too, followed by 40+ Japanese Murrelets later the same day. The fully updated voyage summary will be on our website from monday. Cheers John Brodie-Good www.wildwings.co.uk --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Western Pacific Odyssey 2009 New Ireland - Bonin Islands From: John Brodie-Good <john.brodiegood AT btinternet.com> Date: Wed, 15 Apr 2009 19:44:18 +0100 Hi all, The vessel is now on the final leg up through Japanese waters heading for Yokohama. The third, 'tropical' sector yielded no big surprises but consistency with the previous voyages (this is still only the third ever) Highlights 4th - 12th April Atoll (Tropical) Shearwater 3 Bannerman's Shearwater 2 South Polar Skua 1 - a cracking pale phase bird close to the ship As they headed into more northerly waters Streaked Shearwaters and Bulwer's Petrels started to appear along with good numbers of Matsudaira's Storm-Petrels. Spinner and Risso's Dolphins added themselves again to the trip list plus 2 Fin Whales and yet more Sperm Whales. The full version has been updated on our website. All the best John Brodie-Good www.wildwings.co.uk --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Re: The Atlantic Odyssey 2009 From: "Alvaro Jaramillo" <chucao AT coastside.net> Date: Wed, 8 Apr 2009 13:09:22 -0700 John Do you have exact locations and or photos for the following in the Drake: Soft-plumaged Petrel, Kerguelen Petrel, Mottled Petrel, White-headed Petrel? We would like to confirm presence of these species for Chile, but we seldom get actual locations and any tangible evidence for these species. Do you folks have any? If anyone else has any data, I would love to have that too. Thanks Alvaro Alvaro Jaramillo chucao AT coastside.net Half Moon Bay, California Field Guides - Birding Tours Worldwide www.fieldguides.com -----Original Message----- From: Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com [mailto:Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of John Brodie-Good Sent: Wednesday, April 08, 2009 12:07 PM To: Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com Subject: [Seabird-News:958] The Atlantic Odyssey 2009 Hi all, Whilst one of our groups continues to sail north in the Pacific, Simon Cook and a second group are heading north in the Atlantic, currently for St Helena having visited the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia and the Tristan Da Cunha archipelago since sailing from Ushuaia, Argentina on March 19th. Highlights Drake Passage.....Wandering, Northern and Southern Royal, Black- browed, Grey-headed and Light-mantled Sooty Albatrosses, Soft- plumaged, Kerguelan, Mottled and White-headed and Westland Petrels heading the tubenose cast plus Fin Whales and Hourglass Dolphins. (Northern) Antarctic Peninsula area...Chinstrap, Adelie and Gentoo Penguins plus many Snow Petrels. Dwarf and Antarctic MInke Whales, Humpbacks, Southern Right Whales plus Orcas. South Georgia......Rufous-collared Sparrow flying around the ship just south of the island (!) plus 2 very close Blue Whales. Successful landings included Prion Island and it's gamming Wandering Albatrosses. At sea to Gough....2 Cattle Egrets, one now being well fed in Simon's cabin. Sooty plus 2 Shy Albatross. Southern Bottlenose Whales and 50-100 Southern Rightwhale Dolphins. Tristan....this archepelago's infamously bad weather struck again......zodiac cruise around Gough Island produced the endemic Moorhen and buntings plus Northern Rockhopper Penguins. Tristan Thrush seen ashore on Tristan itself, very rarely seen on the main island but no landings on Nightingale or Inaccessible Islands due swells but the bunting seen from the ship at least. Full report on our website in due course. Berths are still available for the 2010 voyage. Cheers John Brodie-Good www.wildwings.co.uk --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: The Atlantic Odyssey 2009 From: John Brodie-Good <john.brodiegood AT btinternet.com> Date: Wed, 8 Apr 2009 20:06:56 +0100 Hi all, Whilst one of our groups continues to sail north in the Pacific, Simon Cook and a second group are heading north in the Atlantic, currently for St Helena having visited the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia and the Tristan Da Cunha archipelago since sailing from Ushuaia, Argentina on March 19th. Highlights Drake Passage.....Wandering, Northern and Southern Royal, Black- browed, Grey-headed and Light-mantled Sooty Albatrosses, Soft- plumaged, Kerguelan, Mottled and White-headed and Westland Petrels heading the tubenose cast plus Fin Whales and Hourglass Dolphins. (Northern) Antarctic Peninsula area...Chinstrap, Adelie and Gentoo Penguins plus many Snow Petrels. Dwarf and Antarctic MInke Whales, Humpbacks, Southern Right Whales plus Orcas. South Georgia......Rufous-collared Sparrow flying around the ship just south of the island (!) plus 2 very close Blue Whales. Successful landings included Prion Island and it's gamming Wandering Albatrosses. At sea to Gough....2 Cattle Egrets, one now being well fed in Simon's cabin. Sooty plus 2 Shy Albatross. Southern Bottlenose Whales and 50-100 Southern Rightwhale Dolphins. Tristan....this archepelago's infamously bad weather struck again......zodiac cruise around Gough Island produced the endemic Moorhen and buntings plus Northern Rockhopper Penguins. Tristan Thrush seen ashore on Tristan itself, very rarely seen on the main island but no landings on Nightingale or Inaccessible Islands due swells but the bunting seen from the ship at least. Full report on our website in due course. Berths are still available for the 2010 voyage. Cheers John Brodie-Good www.wildwings.co.uk --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Western Pacific Odyssey 2009 New Caledonia - At sea towards Chuuk From: John Brodie-Good <john.brodiegood AT btinternet.com> Date: Sun, 5 Apr 2009 10:09:04 +0100 Hi all, Highlights for the 'middle' section of the voyage below. The full version will be on our website from tomorrow. Providence Petrel 9 on March 25th (off SE New Caledonia)..a new record count for this voyage Black-bellied Storm-Petrel 1 again March 25th, another new species for the voyage Great Cormorant (!) 1 28th March, 60 miles south of Rennell, roosted on the ship. Beck's Petrel 2 3rd April, 1 off the southern end of New Ireland, 1 60nm further north. Heinroth's Shearwater 4 2nd April, off the west coast of Bougainville, third year in a row for this location. 30+ 3rd April, off the east coast of New Ireland Cetaceans Sperm Whale 12, 4, 12 Cuvier's Beaked Whale 1 Short-finned Pilot Whales Rough-toothed Dolphins Fraser's Dolphins Pygmy Killer Whale 4 close to the ship and well photographed Dwarf Sperm Whale Plus very successful landings made on Rennell, Makira, Guadalcanal and Kolombangara (Solomon Islands) with nearly all target birds seen. Berths are still available for the 2010 voyage currently. Cheers John Brodie-Good www.wildwings.co.uk --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Re: Colour variation of Northern Fulmars From: "tubenose AT tiscali.co.uk" <tubenose@tiscali.co.uk> Date: Sat, 4 Apr 2009 08:08:55 +0100 (GMT+01:00) Hi Yann, A few thoughts. Did you get shots that show the bill more clearly or ones that show tail and rump/uppertail-coverts? The bill in Atlantic birds (glacialis & auduboni) ranges from olive-green to blue-grey with a yellow tip. Tubes are normally darker than the rest of the bill ranging in tone from yellow-brown to grey-black. The bill in Pacific birds (rogersii) is normally more slender, less blunt, and wholly yellow or orange-yellow with tubes more concolorous with the rest of the bill. The tail in Atlantic birds is more or less concolorous with the rump, or with only slight contrast, whilst the tail in Pacific birds is typically the darkest part of the plumage and clearly contrasts with a paler tail-base and uppertail-coverts. This is evident on even dark birds like yours. The extreme between morphs is widest in the Pacific (where there are also patchy plumaged birds). I have never seen a photograph of an Atlantic Northern Fulmar as dark as your bird. It will be interesting to see if other seabird-news members have. I have just reviewed photographs of Northern Fulmars from the Commander Islands (Bering Sea) and these are virtually the same as yours in darkness of plumage and lack a white panel on the inner primaries (like your bird). This is a very interesting bird for the Atlantic based on darkness of plumage alone. Clear evidence of a rogersii bill structure and colour plus tail contrast with uppertail-coverts would make it very interesting indeed! Regards, Bob Flood ----Original Message---- From: birdingiceland AT gmail.com Date: 03/04/2009 0:43 To: Subj: [Seabird-News:955] Colour variation of Northern Fulmars Hi, A (very) dark morph Northern Fulmar was photographed today at the Heimaey island, off the south coast of Iceland. This is the only place in Iceland where one can easily find dark morph fulmars among the thousands of local 'normal' fulmars, especially in March/April and autumn. Today's bird was however unusual in being extremely dark as these two photographs show; http://www3.hi.is/~yannk/myndir/rarity/ias_fulgla020409_1.jpg http://www3.hi.is/~yannk/myndir/rarity/ias_fulgla020409_2.jpg On the second photograph a more typical dark fulmar can also be seen. Another photo taken in Oct 2005 shows how the darkest fulmars we see here normally look like, http://www3.hi.is/~yannk/myndir/diary/yk_fulgla161005.jpg. Does anyone here know if a fulmar this dark is something regular in the North Atlantic, could it be some sort of melanism, and is it possible to exclude a dark morph fulmar from the North Pacific? Is there something online or published about the colour variation of fulmars in the North Atlantic (and Pacific)? Kind regards Yann Kolbeinsson http://www.birdingiceland.com http://www.pbase.com/birdingiceland Get £25 off a case of wine - http://www.tiscali.co.uk/wine ________________________________________________ --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Colour variation of Northern Fulmars From: Yann Kolbeinsson <birdingiceland AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 2 Apr 2009 23:43:30 +0000 Hi, A (very) dark morph Northern Fulmar was photographed today at the Heimaey island, off the south coast of Iceland. This is the only place in Iceland where one can easily find dark morph fulmars among the thousands of local 'normal' fulmars, especially in March/April and autumn. Today's bird was however unusual in being extremely dark as these two photographs show; http://www3.hi.is/~yannk/myndir/rarity/ias_fulgla020409_1.jpg http://www3.hi.is/~yannk/myndir/rarity/ias_fulgla020409_2.jpg On the second photograph a more typical dark fulmar can also be seen. Another photo taken in Oct 2005 shows how the darkest fulmars we see here normally look like, http://www3.hi.is/~yannk/myndir/diary/yk_fulgla161005.jpg. Does anyone here know if a fulmar this dark is something regular in the North Atlantic, could it be some sort of melanism, and is it possible to exclude a dark morph fulmar from the North Pacific? Is there something online or published about the colour variation of fulmars in the North Atlantic (and Pacific)? Kind regards Yann Kolbeinsson http://www.birdingiceland.com http://www.pbase.com/birdingiceland --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: www.scillypelagics.com From: "tubenose AT tiscali.co.uk" <tubenose@tiscali.co.uk> Date: Fri, 3 Apr 2009 09:12:00 +0100 (GMT+01:00) There are two new special features on the Articles page: Bill Bourne: Birds at Sea Roger Riddington: Seabirding without the pills http://www.tiscali.co.uk/security - What's your view on the Government's proposal to monitor your Facebook, MySpace, Bebo and Twiiter communication? _______________________________________________________________________ --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Update on May and June Pelagic Trips From Hatteras, NC From: "J. BRIAN PATTESON" <patteson1 AT embarqmail.com> Date: Tue, 31 Mar 2009 16:40:07 -0500 Seabirders, Since our last update about three weeks ago, another trip has filled and five more are almost full. As of March 29, the following trips are full: May 21, 22, 28, and 29. There are only one to four spaces left open on May 25, 26, 27, 30, and 31. Surprisingly, there are still at least six spaces open each day on May 23 and 24 (Memorial Day Weekend)! This is the first time in several years that we have had openings for MDW in late March, but the trend over the last couple of years has been for some of the weekday trips to fill first. For anyone who wants to make a four or five day commitment in late May, time is running out as there are only two spaces left on Monday, May 26. For a five day booking in May or June, we are selling the trips for $20/day off the single day rate. Two to four days is $10/day off. Groups of eight or more people booking together are eligible for a discount on single days. Good news for those who can schedule it is that all of our trips in early June (daily June 1-7) have space for several more participants. The first week of June can be every bit as good as the last ten days of May. For some species, particularly Greater Shearwater, Band-rumped and Leach's Storm-Petrels, and tropicbirds, June is usually the superior month. And the odds of seeing a Fea's Petrel or Bermuda Petrel in EARLY June are not much different than late May. In 2005, two of the four days we saw European Storm-Petrels were in June (4 and 5.) Here is a list of birds we have seen during the first week of June in previous years: Herald (Trindade) Petrel, Fea's Petrel (High Count=3), Bermuda Petrel, Black-capped Petrel, Cory's Shearwater, Greater Shearwater, Sooty Shearwater, Manx Shearwater, Audubon's Shearwater, Wilson's Storm-Petrel, European Storm-Petrel, Swinhoe's Storm-Petrel, Leach's Storm-Petrel, Band-rumped Storm-Petrel, White-tailed Tropicbird, Red-billed Tropicbird, Masked Booby, Brown Boooby, Northern Gannet, Sooty Tern, Bridled Tern, Arctic Tern, South Polar Skua, Pomarine Jaeger, Parasitic Jaeger, and Long-tailed Jaeger. The ONLY species that we have ever seen more than twice on trips in May but not in June are earlier migrants- Northern Fulmar, both phalaropes, and Sabine's Gull- species that you would not typically see the last week of May. No doubt the positive reviews we have gotten from the many hundreds of people who have gone with us on trips around Memorial Day over the last 15 years have been very beneficial for us, making it possible to run the trips in May annually without much promotion. But early June should not be underrated, nor should any other time of year when we have not done quite as many trips over the years. For all but the last three years we have done these trips, it was a big gamble for us to schedule any trips where we could not draw a crowd of at least 20 to 30 participants. That is the reason why we do not have a long history of running trips in mid to late June (or early July or mid to late September or late April and early May.....) Several of us can still remember the time when trips in late May were rare and most pelagic trips here were scheduled in August- still a good time! I would like to thank everyone who has signed up so far for trips this year, and I hope that many more of you can join us yet. The trips that we are able to run now, with a limited number of people each day on our own vessel, are truly the best trips we have ever run, day in and day out. For more information, see our website, below, or call me at (252) 986-1363. Brian Patteson Hatteras, NC brian AT patteson.com http://www.seabirding.com/ --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Re: Fea's Petrel video From: Angus Wilson <gadflypetrel AT hotmail.com> Date: Sat, 28 Mar 2009 14:55:07 -0400 That's a really neat video clip! A must for anyone who's not seen Fea's yet but wants to, and fond memories for anyone who has! Angus WilsonNew York City/Springshttp://www.oceanwanderers.com _________________________________________________________________ Quick access to Windows Live and your favorite MSN content with Internet Explorer 8. http://ie8.msn.com/microsoft/internet-explorer-8/en-us/ie8.aspx?ocid=B037MSN55C0701A --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Fea's Petrel video From: "tubenose AT tiscali.co.uk" <tubenose@tiscali.co.uk> Date: Sat, 28 Mar 2009 14:51:00 +0100 (GMT+01:00) All, See www.scillypelagics.com We have just uploaded Ashley Fisher's video footage of the Fea's Petrel off the Isles of Scilly in 2001 that became the first accepted record to species for Britain. Be warned, it is gripping (and contains some colourful language). Go to the Articles page, then look under ... Rare seabirds off Scilly, then view the article ... Fea's Petrel off Scilly: new to Britain, scroll down to below the video grabs where you will find the link to the video. Regards from Scilly, Bob Flood Get £25 off a case of wine - http://www.tiscali.co.uk/wine ________________________________________________ Get £25 off a case of wine - http://www.tiscali.co.uk/wine ________________________________________________ --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Fea's Petrel video From: "tubenose AT tiscali.co.uk" <tubenose@tiscali.co.uk> Date: Sat, 28 Mar 2009 07:08:18 +0100 (GMT+01:00) All, We have just uploaded Ashley Fisher's video footage of the Fea's Petrel off the Isles of Scilly in 2001 that became the first accepted record to species for Britain. Be warned, it is gripping (and contains some colourful language). Go to the Articles page, then look under ... Rare seabirds off Scilly, then view the article ... Fea's Petrel off Scilly: new to Britain, scroll down to below the video grabs where you will find the link to the video. Regards from Scilly, Bob Flood Get £25 off a case of wine - http://www.tiscali.co.uk/wine ________________________________________________ --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Got Parakeet Auklets? Upcoming California Pelagic From: Todd Mcgrath <toddamcgrath AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 27 Mar 2009 07:48:05 -0700 (PDT) All, There are still spaces left on our Los Angeles Audubon April 25 Santa Barbara deepwater pelagic on the Condor Express. We recorded 2 Parakeet Auklets on an 8 hour trip on this boat March 1, and on our last spring trip on the boat (2007) we recorded 7. There are still large numbers of Rhino Auklets and Common Murres around So. Cal, and on recent trips good numbers of No. Fulmars were present from San Diego to the Santa Barbara channel. Remarkably three trips this winter (2 off SLO as well as our March 1 trip on the Condor Express) have recorded Parakeet Auklets, and we will be spending time in areas where this species has been seen this year and in prior years. Clearly there is something special happening with Parakeet Auklet this year, and while there are never any guarantees, I think the odds are pretty good that there are still some around. I receieved word that a research cruise in southern Washington is seeing good numbers of Parakeet Auklets offshore this week, so this event is not limited to just CA. April is also the best time to see Murphy's Petrel, and the areas around the San Juan Seamount can be good for this species. The distribution of Murphy's petrel off CA is enigmatic, and they may be present in numbers off So Cal (30+), but totally absent in other years. By late April good numbers of Shearwaters, Jaegers, and phalaroeps will be moving through, and we have an excellent chance to see Ashy, Black, and Leach's storm-petrels. Laysan Albatross may also be present in small numbers along with the expected Black-footed. In additon to Murphy's Petrel and Parakeet Auklet other rarities in spring have included Red-billed tropicbird (regular later in the summer but rare in spring), Cook's Petrel, and Hawaiian (Dark-rumped) Petrel, Flesh-footed Shearwater (rare but regular in spring), and Fork- tailed Storm-petrel. The Condor Express is a fast stable Catamaran that lets us get 120+ miles out and back in about 12-13 hours. No other pelagic in CA can get out to the shelf-edge and back in this amount of time, and the only other trip to this area is the 5 day Searcher trip. The roomy cabin and extensive upperdeck allow for a comfortable ride and excellent viewing opportunities. Captain Matt and the crew always go all out to see the birds, and the food in the galley is the excellent. I recommend the breakfast burrito and the Condor Burger. see condorcuises.com for some info about the boat and www.socalbirding.com for a complete list of pelagics off So Cal. The cost is $195 I will include the sign-up instructions below. This is one of my favorite trips of the year, and I hope you will be able to join us for what I am sure will be a memorable trip. Please let me know if I can answer any questions and I hope to see you aboard, Todd McGrath skua AT msn.com Marina Del rey and San Juan Seamount Los Angeles Audubon Pelagic Reservation Instructions 2009 Option 1 Mail Mail your check or Credit Card information and a SASE (for trip confirmation and information flyer) for each trip requested to: Los Angeles Audubon - Pelagics P.O. Box 931057 Los Angeles, CA 90093-1057. Option 2 Call, pay with Credit Card Call Los Angeles Audubon at (323) 876-0202 (Mon. - Thur.) 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Option 3 Email or Fax, pay with Credit Card E-Mail reservation request to: peltrip AT laaudubon.orgThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Fax reservation request to: (323) 876-7609 You may now use Mastercard | Visa | Discover cards to charge your trip. There will be a $5 credit card fee. Provide the cardholder's billing name, card number, expiration date, and the last 3 numbers (security code) from the reverse of your card. Provide the name(s), mailing address, contact telephone number, and email address (if used) for each person requesting a reservation. Notes: * Destinations may be changed to maximize bird sightings, or minimize rough seas. With increased fuel costs there can be a $5 to $10 energy surcharge per person. *Refund Policy: You may receive a refund less a $4.00 handling charge if you cancel 31 days prior to departure, or if a paid replacement can be found. *Insufficient Response Cancellations: If there is insufficient response 35 days before the trip departure, the trip will be cancelled. *Before setting out on any LAAS Pelagic Trip, call (323) 874-1318 Option #4, for possible last moment changes of cancellations that may have occurred. *For more information about these Los Angeles Audubon Pelagic Trips and other Southern California Pelagic Events please visit http://www.SoCalBirding.com --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Western Pacific Odyssey 2009 NZ - New Caledonia From: John Brodie-Good <john.brodiegood AT btinternet.com> Date: Thu, 26 Mar 2009 19:43:51 +0000 Hi all, This year's voyage is now in progress, slightly hampered so far by Cyclone Jasper. (Reports from Chris Collins and Dick Filby). Highlights so far New-Zealand Storm Petrel 2 Pod of False Killer Whales New Zealand Fantail 1 at least 50 nautical miles from land! Ginko-toothed Beaked Whale 2 breaching Providence Petrel 1 (seen in 2007 but not 2008) White-bellied Storm Petrel 2 (new for the WPO) Plus all the regular expected species for this voyage. No landing on Norfolk Island due heavy swells and high winds sadly. The ship is now heading up the east coast of New Caledonia rather than the west side to avoid the worst of the cyclone. Full report can be found here http://www.wildwings.co.uk/wpo2009shipsightings.html Cheers John Brodie-Good --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Midway Atoll 9 -17 March 2009 From: John Brodie-Good <john.brodiegood AT btinternet.com> Date: Tue, 24 Mar 2009 21:22:49 +0000 Hi all, Just back from this stunning Pacific seabird paradise, what a place, what a price to get to sadly at the moment though! A photographer's dream and superb for video takers. March is one of the best times to go, still gives an excellent chance of Short-tailed Albatross, the Laysan and Black-footed Albatross s have coming up to 'teenage' chicks, the young adults practicing their courtship dances all over the place and the later breeding seabirds all arriving too. Highlights included... Short-tailed Albatross 1 adult on Eastern Island, 11th. Up to 4 different birds recorded this this winter including a sub-adult on Sand Island (where you actually stay) but not for nearly a month now. Black-footed/ Laysan hybrids..at least 3 different birds.....somewhat intriguing to meet at sea I would think. Saw on the deck only and didnt see the underwings but a real mix of the two. Caused by Black- foots 'raping' Laysans and they are usually fertile. 1 in 50,000 is the apparent average. Christmas Shearwater...two pairs back to breed on Eastern Island at least, seen on the deck and in flight, Onley et al (Helm 2007) seem to have this species exactly right. Only saw at 'close' range but would imagine underwing pattern, size, jizz and bill diagnostic at fair range from a ship too. Grey-backed Tern...great views on Eastern island, in flight, uniformly pale to mid-gray uppers, you need correct light though, can look brownish or even dark like Sooty Terns when flying over the ocean. Bonin Petrel.....loads and loads, the evening flight of them coming in after sunset each night is just amazing. Other 'seabirds' included the re-introduced Laysan Teals (quite smart for a quacker), Hawaiian Monk Seals, (Hawaiian) Spinner Dolphins, Pacific Green Turtles, Bristle-thighed Curlew - 10+ present and a vagrant Grey/Red Phalarope that was eventually picked up dead on a beach, thought to have starved. Ill post a few picturess on surfbirds.com in the next few days (including one of the hybrid albatross) and full report will be on our website by next week. Cheers John Brodie-Good www.wildwings.co.uk --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Re: Orinoco storm-petrel From: Nate Dias <offshorebirder AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 24 Mar 2009 08:32:05 -0700 (PDT) Also: one photo shows the bird's carpal bar, which appears wrong for both Wilson's and Band-rumped, yet consistent with Leach's. The carpal bar reaches the leading edge of the upperwing (unlike BRSP) and it does not look pale (and broad?) enough for Wilson's Storm-Petrel. Nathan Dias - Charleston, SC Subject: Re: Orinoco storm-petrel From: Force Date: Sun, 22 Mar 2009 10:25:40 -0700 (PDT) I immediately came to the same conclusion as soon as I saw one of the photos. It is a Leach's Storm-Petrel, as Bill Bourne points out, plus the shape of the white rump patch is classic Leach's, a U or V shaped; it isn't uncommon to see Leach's that don't show the dark division, or it is so poorly developed as to be invisible at sea. Michael Force On Mar 21, 4:03�am, wrpbou... AT yahoo.co.uk wrote: > Surely the storm-petrel Jurek Dyczkowski saw in the Orinoco delta on 12 February must indeed be a Leach's. While one cannot see if it has the long legs characteristic of Wilson's, it has the general proportions of an Oceanodroma. On pictures 9 and 10 there is a trace of division of the upper rump and clearly no�dark tail tips characteristic of O. castro. A� lot winter off that coast. --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Laysan Albatross: Pt. Pinos--Seawatch , 3/22/09 From: Brian Sullivan <heraldpetrel AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 22 Mar 2009 13:31:37 -0700 Location: Pt. Pinos--Seawatch Observation date: 3/22/09 Notes: Strong cold front passing in the night produced strong NW winds and good seawatching. NW wind at 25-35 knots, overcast to clear. Surprisingly good flight of Black-legged Kittiwakes given that it's been a relatively poor year for them in Monterey Bay. Number of species: 38 Brant (Black) 95 Canada Goose 12 Surf Scoter 14 Black Scoter (American) 1 Red-breasted Merganser 3 Red-throated Loon 45 Pacific Loon 5 Common Loon 3 Laysan Albatross 1 Flying northwest at moderate distance. In view for about 2 minutes. Obvious white-bodied albatross with black wings dorsally and white head. Underwing pattern hard to discern but appeared darkish. Northern Fulmar 12 1 light morph, 11 dark morphs Pink-footed Shearwater 2 First of the season here for me. Sooty Shearwater 4 Short-tailed Shearwater 1 Sooty/Short-tailed Shearwater 5 Brown Pelican 55 Brandt's Cormorant 50 Double-crested Cormorant 3 Pelagic Cormorant 15 Black-bellied Plover 1 Black Oystercatcher 4 Black Turnstone 40 Surfbird 3 Sanderling 3 Black-legged Kittiwake 7500 About 90% first-winter birds. Massive flight with about 250/minute at daybreak. Diminishing later in the morning but still sizable flocks moving west past the point when I left. This is almost certainly an undercount. A few adults and second-winters mixed in. Heermann's Gull 1 Mew Gull (American) 35 Western Gull 400 Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid) 2 California Gull 125 Herring Gull (American) 6 Thayer's Gull 3 Glaucous-winged Gull 40 gull sp. 2000 Pomarine Jaeger 4 All adult light-morphs in basic plumage, one with moderate tail streamers Common Murre 150 Pigeon Guillemot 2 Rhinoceros Auklet 15 American Crow 5 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) -- =========== Brian L. Sullivan Pacific Grove, CA eBird/AKN Project Leader www.ebird.org www.avianknowledge.net Photographic Editor, Birds of North America Online http://bna.birds.cornell.edu/BNA Cornell Lab of Ornithology 159 Sapsucker Woods Rd. Ithaca, NY 14850 Photographic Editor, North American Birds American Birding Association www.americanbirding.org bls42 AT cornell.edu 609-694-3280 ------------------------------- --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Re: Orinoco storm-petrel From: Force <pagodroma AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 22 Mar 2009 10:25:40 -0700 (PDT) I immediately came to the same conclusion as soon as I saw one of the photos. It is a Leach's Storm-Petrel, as Bill Bourne points out, plus the shape of the white rump patch is classic Leach's, a U or V shaped; it isn't uncommon to see Leach's that don't show the dark division, or it is so poorly developed as to be invisible at sea. Michael Force On Mar 21, 4:03 am, wrpbou... AT yahoo.co.uk wrote: > Surely the storm-petrel Jurek Dyczkowski saw in the Orinoco delta on 12 February must indeed be a Leach's. While one cannot see if it has the long legs characteristic of Wilson's, it has the general proportions of an Oceanodroma. On pictures 9 and 10 there is a trace of division of the upper rump and clearly no dark tail tips characteristic of O. castro. A  lot winter off that coast. >   > Bill Bourne --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Swinhoe's - South Korea From: "tubenose AT tiscali.co.uk" <tubenose@tiscali.co.uk> Date: Sun, 22 Mar 2009 07:06:02 +0100 (GMT+01:00) All, I am keen to make contact with anyone who has seen Swinhoe's Storm- petrel off South Korea; from pelagic trips, ferries, or from land. Please do get in touch. Regards, Bob Flood Get up to 50% off Norton Security - http://www.tiscali.co.uk/securepc _________________________________________________________ --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: 37 Fulmar, 14 Pink-foots, 10 Sooties, 74 Xantus's off San Diego From: thunefeld <thunefeld AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 21 Mar 2009 21:54:49 -0700 (PDT) Greetings, On Friday 20 March, Dave Povey, Todd McGrath, Lt Commander Peter Ginsburg and I went to sea to see seabirds. We departed Mission Bay, explored the waters of La Jolla Canyon, putted north of the Nine Mile Bank out over the San Diego Trough, past the 182 Spot and up and onto the Thirty Mile Bank on Friday 20 March 2009. A complete trip list with photos, trip track and eBird species list detailing the 4 species of tubenoses, extraordinary numbers of alcids (including 70+ Xantus's Murrelets!) and early migrating Red-necked Phalaropes is posted at: http://www.socalbirding.com/tripreports/sandiego32009.html It was another great day at sea, full of wonder and discovery. Please join us on April 4 as we board Grande to explore early spring migration at the Nine Mile Bank and see just what boobies might be at the Coronados Island sponsored by the Buena Vista Audubon Society. Visit Buena Vista Audubon's http://www.SoCalBirding.com and click the "Upcoming Trips" tab for itinerary and registration information. Many of us will drive up to Santa Barbara on April 25 for a day in deep water beyond the edge of the Continental Shelf on the Condor Express chartered by the Los Angeles Audubon Society. We found two Parakeet Auklets up there on March 1, and saw seven Parakeet Auklets there on April 21, 2007 from the Condor. This trip will get to 2000 fathom-deep water around the San Juan Seamount which is where rarities like as Murphy's, Cook's and Hawaiian Petrel can be fond this time of year as well as Black-footed and Laysan Albatrosses. The April 25 trip as well as all pelagic trips from Southern California are posted at http://www.SoCalBirding.com under the UPCOMING TRIPS link. If you've never been on the Condor Express and wonder what it's like, you can see a VIDEO of flying along at 30 knots: http://www.socalbirding.com/upcomingtrips/santabarbaraapr252009.html W. Terry Hunefeld, San Diego Life is short. Seabird and eBird often. Seabirding Trips From San Diego Buena Vista Audubon Society http://www.SoCalBirding.com Los Coronados Islands Nine-mile, Thirty-mile, Sixty-mile Banks Cortes & Tanner Banks Channel Islands --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Orinoco storm-petrel From: wrpbourne AT yahoo.co.uk Date: Sat, 21 Mar 2009 11:03:30 +0000 (GMT) Surely the storm-petrel Jurek Dyczkowski saw in the Orinoco delta on 12 February must indeed be a Leach's. While one cannot see if it has the long legs characteristic of Wilson's, it has the general proportions of an Oceanodroma. On pictures 9 and 10 there is a trace of division of the upper rump and clearly no dark tail tips characteristic of O. castro. A  lot winter off that coast.   Bill Bourne --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Fiji seabirds From: "Chris Gaskin" <CHRIS.GASKIN AT xtra.co.nz> Date: Sat, 21 Mar 2009 16:48:01 +1300 We are just back in New Zealand from a short stint for Birdlife Pacific in Fiji's northern Lau Group. While not many numerically the seabirds seen between islands visited make for an intriguing list: > Providence petrel - I did think Murphy's when I first saw it; it was so grey, but have gone for solandri with worn plumage; saw fairly definite white flash on underwing as it banked; more than you'd expect for Murphy's where the primaries underwing generally have more of a reflective quality. > Collared petrel - one seen close to the boat. Came off the water; quite a dusky bird with deep collar and grey belly plumage; very white-faced > Wedge-tailed shearwater - one seen. > Tropical (Audubon's) shearwaters - several between Yacata and Taveuni. These matched Scofield's description of a dichrous specimen from Samoa, appeared to have much darker markings on the underwing from the Tongan bird in Jenkins' 1973 Notornis paper The birds were seen foraging in that small (little) shearwater sort of way making them easy to pick up. Two of them flew close to the boat for nice views. > Black-winged petrel - one flew alongside the boat briefly and easily ID'd > Tahiti petrel - five seen > One medium-sized black-capped petrel, fairly even-coloured, dark upper surfaces with indistinct M-marking; looked like a smallish cervicalis but NO white neck was seen. Definitely black-capped, rather than hooded; it also had quite a deep collar. It was on the water then flew off away from the boat. Appeared too large for a Cookilaria, ie. too long-winged. It was markedly different from the brevipes that we saw well, which admittedly are extremely variable. It had a partial collar but no hint of any dusky plumage on the breast or belly. Underwing markings weren't seen; it was dark-rumped. Possibilities? Anything between brevipes and sandwichensis! These are the times when you really need a fast boat. > Two very narrow-winged petrels seen well ahead of the boat in calm seas. They appeared all-dark and were foraging, wheeling then dropping towards the surface. Definitely petrels (ie not noddies). Hard to estimate size at the distance through bins, but did not appear big. This was about 12-15nms from the Taveuni/Laucala Passage late afternoon. When we got to the spot where the birds had been foraging they'd snuck away; I'd hoped with the dying wind that they'd settled on the water. > Lesser frigatebird - mostly over islands with numbers building late in the day > Red-footed booby - abundant (two colour morphs seen) > Brown booby - abundant > Brown noddy - abundant, seen on several occasions feeding over fast-moving schools of tuna > Black noddy - abundant, seen along reef fringes, inside lagoons and over schools of tuna > Bridled tern - several seen off Taveuni then one more at sea > Crested tern - one seen off Taveuni > Black-naped tern - fairly abundant in reef areas and around small islets > Arctic skua - one dark phase seen harassing a black noddy Also, two pods of spinner dolphins (one working with seabirds on a widespread school of tuna) and a small family group (2 adults and one calf) of unidentified beaked whales logging on the surface just outside the reef off Taveuni. The islands visited were something else and a full report will be published in due course through Birdlife. All in all an eventful wee adventure which included our boat being grounded on the reef at Vatu Vara leaving us marooned for awhile before another boat could be chartered to get everyone off! The four of us in the bird survey team with the two local guides were on the other side of the island when the boys in the boat decided to take it out through the narrow reef passage - bad decision! The 51' launch is a write-off. Unfortunately our chum supplies were lost with the boat so couldn't do anything on the way back, and only managed one session going there (boat was a bit slow so we ran out of time between islands). Back in Suva we had a look at the Fiji Museum's Fiji petrel specimen - we knew FP was a small bird, but that small? It's amazing how it has managed to survive for so long. Happy seabirding Chris Chris Gaskin & Karen Baird --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Country Girl trips - price change From: live4birds AT aol.com Date: Fri, 20 Mar 2009 16:54:27 -0400 I had the price wrong for the Country Girl pelagic trips.? Prices are as follows.??$135 per person for one trip, Book 2 days for $125 per person per day, Book 3 or more days for $115 per person per day Trips are May 30, 31, June 1 and August 15, 16, 17.? Sorry for my error. Mary Gustafson Mission, Texas [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Country Girl trips - price change From: live4birds AT aol.com Date: Fri, 20 Mar 2009 16:54:27 -0400 I had the price wrong for the Country Girl pelagic trips.? Prices are as follows.??$135 per person for one trip, Book 2 days for $125 per person per day, Book 3 or more days for $115 per person per day Trips are May 30, 31, June 1 and August 15, 16, 17.? Sorry for my error. Mary Gustafson Mission, Texas --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Re: Kauai, HI pelagic 3/17/09 results From: Angus Wilson <gadflypetrel AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 20 Mar 2009 08:58:31 -0400 Hi George, That was a nice collection of seabirds and the only offshore list I seen from Kauai. Did you sail to a specific oceanographic feature or just try to get out over deep enough water to pick up tubenoses etc? Angus Wilson New York City, USA http://oceanwanderersnews.blogspot.com/ _________________________________________________________________ Get quick access to your favorite MSN content with Internet Explorer 8. http://ie8.msn.com/microsoft/internet-explorer-8/en-us/ie8.aspx?ocid=B037MSN55C0701A --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Kauai, HI pelagic 3/17/09 results From: George Armistead <armistead.george AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 20 Mar 2009 04:23:32 -0400 Greetings All, On 17 March 2009, guides David Kuhn, John Coons and myself led a 1/2-day pelagic trip for Field Guides, Inc with some ten other participants. We headed south of Kauai, HI getting about 7 miles offshore, and passing the PP buoy. We observed the following birds: Mottled Petrel 1 Wedge-tailed Shearwater 110 Sooty Shearwater 2 Christmas Shearwater 1 White-tailed Tropicbird 12 Red-footed Booby 100 Brown Booby 20 Gray-backed Tern 3 Sooty Tern 120 Black (Hawaiian) Noddy 3 Brown Noddy 38 Best to all, -George -- George L. Armistead Philadelphia, PA armistead.george AT gmail.com Field Guides Inc. Birding Tours Worldwide http://www.fieldguides.com/tours.html?area=guides&guide=ARMISTEAD_G --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Re: Help in storm-petrel identification From: jorgedich AT yahoo.com Date: Sat, 14 Mar 2009 14:45:55 -0700 (PDT) Hello, I hope this code allows you to view pictures easily. They are not password-protected. http://profile.imageshack.us/user/jerzy123456/images/detail/#tag/stormpetrel http://profile.imageshack.us/user/jerzy123456/images/detail/#tag/stormpetrel/11/090o.jpg http://profile.imageshack.us/user/jerzy123456/images/detail/#tag/stormpetrel/3/092zlt.jpg http://profile.imageshack.us/user/jerzy123456/images/detail/#tag/stormpetrel/11/095hyt.jpg http://profile.imageshack.us/user/jerzy123456/images/detail/#tag/stormpetrel/3/093a.jpg http://profile.imageshack.us/user/jerzy123456/images/detail/#tag/stormpetrel/16/096a.jpg http://profile.imageshack.us/user/jerzy123456/images/detail/#tag/stormpetrel/24/097y.jpg http://profile.imageshack.us/user/jerzy123456/images/detail/#tag/stormpetrel/26/102eae.jpg http://profile.imageshack.us/user/jerzy123456/images/detail/#tag/stormpetrel/7/099h.jpg http://profile.imageshack.us/user/jerzy123456/images/detail/#tag/stormpetrel/14/100ylo.jpg http://profile.imageshack.us/user/jerzy123456 /images/detail/#tag/stormpetrel/6/101qkz.jpg http://profile.imageshack.us/user/jerzy123456/images/detail/#tag/stormpetrel/8/141f.jpg http://profile.imageshack.us/user/jerzy123456/images/detail/#tag/stormpetrel/5/140m.jpg http://profile.imageshack.us/user/jerzy123456/images/detail/#tag/stormpetrel/26/139oda.jpg http://profile.imageshack.us/user/jerzy123456/images/detail/#tag/stormpetrel/293/142r.jpg http://profile.imageshack.us/user/jerzy123456/images/detail/#tag/stormpetrel/102/143u.jpg http://profile.imageshack.us/user/jerzy123456/images/detail/#tag/stormpetrel/293/152x.jpg [url=http://img11.imageshack.us/my.php?image=090o.jpg][img=http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/6599/090o.th.jpg][/url] [url=http://img3.imageshack.us/my.php?image=092zlt.jpg][img=http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/3094/092zlt.th.jpg][/url] [url=http://img11.imageshack.us/my.php?image=095hyt.jpg][img=http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/4189/095hyt.th.jpg][/url][url=http://img3.imageshack.us/my.php?image=093a.jpg][img=http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/2144/093a.th.jpg][/url] [url=http://img16.imageshack.us/my.php?image=096a.jpg][img=http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/1221/096a.th.jpg][/url] [url=http://img24.imageshack.us/my.php?image=097y.jpg][img=http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/547/097y.th.jpg][/url] [url=http://img26.imageshack.us/my.php?image=102eae.jpg][img=http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/7006/102eae.th.jpg][/url] [url=http://img7.imageshack.us/my.php?image=099h.jpg][img=http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/544/099h.th.jpg][/url] [url=http://img7.imageshack.us/my.php?image=098c.jpg][img=http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/4948/098c.th.jpg][/url] [url=http://img14.imageshack.us/my.php?image=100ylo.jpg][img=http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/6012/100ylo.th.jpg][/url] [url=http://img6.imageshack.us/my.php?image=101qkz.jpg][img=http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/3432/101qkz.th.jpg][/url] [url=http://img160.imageshack.us/my.php?image=138x.jpg][img=http://img160.imageshack.us/img160/5614/138x.th.jpg][/url] [url=http://img15.imageshack.us/my.php?image=102cwc.jpg][img=http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/6950/102cwc.th.jpg][/url] [url=http://img8.imageshack.us/my.php?image=141f.jpg][img=http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/6893/141f.th.jpg][/url] [url=http://img5.imageshack.us/my.php?image=140m.jpg][img=http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/5029/140m.th.jpg][/url] [url=http://img26.imageshack.us/my.php?image=139oda.jpg][img=http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/3941/139oda.th.jpg][/url] [url=http://img293.imageshack.us/my.php?image=142r.jpg][img=http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/2327/142r.th.jpg][/url] [url=http://img102.imageshack.us/my.php?image=143u.jpg][img=http://img102.imageshack.us/img102/4272/143u.th.jpg][/url] [url=http://img293.imageshack.us/my.php?image=152x.jpg][img=http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/6482/152x.th.jpg][/url] The bird was seen on 12. Feb. 2009 during birding trip in Orinoco Delta, Venezuela. Bird was first seen in small mangrove channel, flying inland. It was re-found swmming and picked by hand. We carried it to more open water and re-released. However, when we were leaving, a Common Black-hawk caught it, and started plucking before our eyes. It was suggested to be Leach Storm-petrel, but has white rump without grey division. Jurek Dyczkowski --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Re: Help in storm-petrel identification From: Angus Wilson <gadflypetrel AT hotmail.com> Date: Sat, 14 Mar 2009 16:58:15 -0400 Hi Jurek, Your reports interesting but unfortunately the links require a password to view. Is there a way to unlock it or move the images to another gallery? Thanks, Angus Wilson _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail® is up to 70% faster. Now good news travels really fast. http://windowslive.com/online/hotmail?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_HM_70faster_032009 --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Help in storm-petrel identification From: Jorge Dichenberg <jorgedich AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 14 Mar 2009 13:52:00 -0700 (PDT) Hello, Can you help me identify a storm-petrel? Pictures are here: http://img293.imageshack.us/my.php?image=152x.jpg http://img102.imageshack.us/my.php?image=143u.jpg http://img293.imageshack.us/my.php?image=142r.jpg http://img26.imageshack.us/my.php?image=139oda.jpg http://img5.imageshack.us/my.php?image=140m.jpg http://img15.imageshack.us/my.php?image=102cwc.jpg http://img8.imageshack.us/my.php?image=141f.jpg http://img160.imageshack.us/my.php?image=138x.jpg http://img6.imageshack.us/my.php?image=101qkz.jpg http://img14.imageshack.us/my.php?image=100ylo.jpg http://img7.imageshack.us/my.php?image=098c.jpg http://img7.imageshack.us/my.php?image=099h.jpg http://img26.imageshack.us/my.php?image=102eae.jpg http://img24.imageshack.us/my.php?image=097y.jpg http://img16.imageshack.us/my.php?image=096a.jpg http://img11.imageshack.us/my.php?image=090o.jpg http://img3.imageshack.us/my.php?image=092zlt.jpg http://img11.imageshack.us/my.php?image=095hyt.jpg http://img3.imageshack.us/my.php?image=093a.jpg It was seen on 12. Feb. 2009 during birding trip in Orinoco Delta, Venezuela. Bird was first seen in small mangrove channel, flying inland. It was re-found swmming and picked by hand. We carried it to more open water and re-released. However, when we were leaving, a Common Black-hawk caught it, and started plucking before our eyes. It was suggested to be Leach Storm-petrel, but has white rump without grey division. cheers, Jurek Dyczkowski --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: San Diego Bird Festival Trip Report; Upcoming Trips From: thunefeld <thunefeld AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 14 Mar 2009 05:28:53 -0700 (PDT) Greetings, The San Diego Bird Festival was a smashing success last weekend. Three pelagic trips yielded two Manx Shearwaters, a San Diego Blue- footed Booby doing laps around our boat, a Common Murre in Mexico, 26 Brown Boobies, Grey Whales so close you could count their barnacles, a breaching Humpback Whale and a spouting Blue Whale. Complete trip reports of all of all three Bird Festival trips (and, indeed, ALL SoCal Pelagic trips) including VIDEOS, photos of the rarities, complete trip reports and eBird sightings lists are posted at http://www.SoCalBirding.com under the “Trip Reports” tab. The next pelagic trip from San Diego is Saturday, April 4 to the booby- rich Coronados Islands and the alcid-rich Nine Mile Bank, sponsored by the Buena Vista Audubon Society. Visit http://www.SoCalBirding.com and click the “Upcoming Trips” tab for itinerary and registration information. Many of us will drive up to Santa Barbara on April 25 for a day on the Condor Express chartered by the Los Angeles Audubon Society. We found two Parakeet Auklets up there last week from the Condor Express, and saw seven of them on April 21, 2007 from the Condor. I love this trip because we get to 2000 fathom-deep water around the San Juan Seamount which is where rarities like as Murphy's, Cook's and Hawaiian Petrel can be found this time of year as well as Black-footed and Laysan Albatrosses. The April 25 trip as well as all pelagic trips from Southern California are posted at http://www.SoCalBirding.com under the “UPCOMING TRIPS” link. If you’ve never been on the Condor Express and wonder what it’s like, a VIDEO of flying along at 30 knots on our March 1, 2009 Parakeet Auklet Hunt Redux can be viewed at http://www.socalbirding.com/upcomingtrips/santabarbaraapr252009.html Terry Hunefeld, Encinitas Life is short. Seabird often. Seabirding Trips From Southern California Buena Vista Audubon Society http://www.SoCalBirding.com Los Coronados Islands Nine-mile, Thirty-mile, Sixty-mile Banks Cortes & Tanner Banks Channel Islands --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Interesting seabird records from visit to Japan (February) From: Tony Pym <tony_pym AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 6 Mar 2009 13:58:50 +0000 I have just returned from a birding trip to Japan and thought the group may be interested in some of the more interesting records of seabirds. In Kyushu, the southernmost of the large islands, seawatching at Michi-no-eki, close to Akune, produced four species of gull but these were eclipsed by a couple of Streaked Shearwaters and then, best of all, the first of some ten Japanese Murrelets (which all seemed to be in pairs). A few were seen on the sea but most of these tiny flying golf-balls went hurtling by. The scientific name S. wumizusume is Japanese for ‘ocean sparrow’, most appropriate. At the Kumagawa River mouth, a drive of a couple of hours north along the coast from Izumi we had at least 10 Saunders’s Gulls, in various plumages ranging from adult winter, first winter and some showing varying amounts of black on the heads (coming into summer breeding plumage). It is important to be at this site as the tide turns, from high tide on its way out, as this species is a specialist feeder, looking for crabs on the exposed mud. These dainty gulls are a cracking bird, and one of limited range, only a few winter in Japan. Another gull, L. tamyrensis, was here also (now part of Heuglin’s?) At the northern-most island of Hokkaido we tried seawatching along the eastern coast at Odeito. Glaucous-winged and Glaucous Gulls together, plus many seaduck species. At a stop along the Notsuke Peninsular we found ten Spectacled Guillemots close together, both Black and Stejneger's Scoters plus Pelagic Cormorants. Close to Rausu on the Shiretoko Peninsular, northeast Hokkaido, we checked a number of small harbours for gulls and ducks, seeing Glaucous-winged amongst the numerous Glaucous, Kamchatka Gull, and that lovely duck, the Harlequin, which was common here, often in small flocks. Close to our lodge we took a short walk along the coastline where Red-necked Grebe, Common Guillemot, both Black-throated and Pacific Divers were close inshore and a lone Ancient Murrelet. At another part of the coastline the sea held more Spectacled Guillemots and occasionally the heads of Largha Seals popped up above the surface. We took a fast boat from Rausu to the pack ice to the north, mainly to see the Steller’s and White-tailed Eagles that gather here. A few birds were seen, even with the boat at speed, including some Brunnich's Guillemots and a couple more Ancient Murrelets but no sign of any auklets. Blows from two whales off to starboard had the boat detouring; these were Baird’s Beaked Whales. A further group, some six animals logging, were most probably this species also. Possibly the highlight of this trip was to be at a harbour near Rausu, ten o’clock at night with the temperature about -9°C, to see two enormous Blakiston’s Fish-Owls sitting on an icicle-covered boat, staring at the water for fish movement – can we now call these seabirds then?? Best wishes Tony _________________________________________________________________ View your Twitter and Flickr updates from one place – Learn more! http://clk.atdmt.com/UKM/go/137984870/direct/01/ --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Fw: Great Skua, Dovekies, 4 spp. tubenoses Feb. 28 From: "J. BRIAN PATTESON" <patteson1 AT embarqmail.com> Date: Sun, 1 Mar 2009 17:57:46 -0500 I'll try this one again.... > Seabirders, > > We ran our last scheduled winter trip from Hatteras on Saturday, Feb. > 28. It was the best trip all winter for diversity of seabirds. > Although we had light rain for much of the day, there was little wind > and the sea conditions were rather nice overall. > > There was still cold water (47 degrees F) well to the south of Cape > Hatteras, but we did not have to go as far to find 60-some degree water > as we did last week. Much like the previous weekend, however, there was > no sharp temperature change, just a gradual blend from high 40's to low > 60's. > > Inshore, there were still good numbers of Razorbills around Diamond > Shoals, but we did not venture as far north as we did on the previous > trip, so I cannot comment on numbers of auks off Avon. There were a few > fulmars flying around not far from Cape Point, but we didn't see any > more for several miles to the east. Red-throated Loons were scarce > compared to the previous two weekends, but there were more Common Loons > around. Generally, there were not as many birds around the shoals as > there had been a week or two ago- not surprising considering the three > days of mild weather preceding the trip. > > With a rather ambiguous weather forecast and the possibility of strong > southerly winds for the afternoon, I decided to chart a course to the > southwest after reaching the easternmost extent of the cold water. This > actually worked out well as we found a better swath of Dovekie habitat > (sea temperature and depth) by going this way than I think we would have > found had we gone north for a few miles. Dovekie numbers were down > considerably compared to the previous weekend, but we managed to get > looks at a few. We also saw a Greater Shearwater and a Black-capped > Petrel along the way, and we gathered a flock a Northern Fulmars such > that there were usually at least ten in view at any given time behind > the boat. A first winter Glaucous Gull also joined the gull flock for a > couple of hours and we had a number of Lesser Black-backed Gulls around > all day. Gannets put on an impressive show diving for fish scraps off > the stern as usual. > > With just a light southerly wind and rain, it got foggy around midday in > the cold water, but after an hour or so, the wind shifted to the north, > the air got a lot colder, and the fog went away. There had been some > doubt as to whether the cold front would reach us before nightfall, but > it did. This was a great turn of events because it made our feeding > flock more visible to distant birds. And sure enough a Great Skua was > tempted by the commotion and came charging in to have a go at the gulls. > Unlike the last couple of skuas we have seen, this one even came back > and made a "victory lap" through the flock again, so that everyone had a > good look. This was our most seaward skua this winter- 7 miles off Cape > Point and about 13 miles from Hatteras Inlet! > > We saw a few more Razorbills on the way back to the inlet, and we also > saw a Manx Shearwater about a mile from the sea buoy. The most amazing > part of the ride back was the persistence of the fulmars. Jamie Cameron > was true to his word and chummed some fulmars INTO Hatteras Inlet, past > the first couple of markers, but not quite to the soundside. > > This was our sixth winter trip in 2009. I wish it had been better > attended, but at least we got to run it. It was a great species list > for winter. > > Northern Fulmar- probably 25+, hard to count b/c of their following- fun > birds to watch > Black-capped Petrel- 1 > Greater Shearwater- 2 > Manx Shearwater- 1 > Red Phalarope- 55 (one flock) > Dovekie- 8+ > Razorbill- 45+ > Glaucous Gull- 1 > Great Skua- 1 (seen on 3 of 5 Feb. trips this year) > > We also saw both loons, numerous Northern Gannets, and plenty of > Bonaparte's, Herring, GBB, and LBB Gulls. > > I would like to thank Kate Sutherland and Jamie Cameron for helping to > lead the trip and everyone else who came out. This was Kate's fifth > trip this winter. > > Our next scheduled trip is not until May 20, but we are available for > charter in the meantime. We have had some good birding offshore in mid > March and late April. This is the first time in years that we still > have space open on most of our spring trips- even a few on Memorial Day > weekend. See our website for more information about this year's trips- > http://www.seabirding.com/. > > Thanks, > > Brian Patteson > Hatteras, NC > brian AT patteson.com > http://www.seabirding.com/ > > > --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Prion Gallery Posted - Falklands and South Georgia January 2009 From: Brian Sullivan <heraldpetrel AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 28 Feb 2009 17:48:29 -0800 Seabirders I've posted some photos of Prions taken around the Falklands and South Georgia during January 2009. I was so intrigued by these birds, and how variable they were, and how difficult they were to identify. I wished I had something like this to look over before going, so I thought I'd share a good selection of photos that people can study prior to visiting the region. Some are good, some are great, and many are marginal, but the idea is to give the viewer a good cross-section of Prions to look at. Here's the link: http://briansullivanphotography.com/content/gallery_list.html Click on the "Prion Study Gallery" Thanks -- =========== Brian L. Sullivan Pacific Grove, CA eBird/AKN Project Leader www.ebird.org www.avianknowledge.net Photographic Editor, Birds of North America Online http://bna.birds.cornell.edu/BNA Cornell Lab of Ornithology 159 Sapsucker Woods Rd. Ithaca, NY 14850 Photographic Editor, North American Birds American Birding Association www.americanbirding.org bls42 AT cornell.edu 609-694-3280 ------------------------------- --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Trip results: Perpetua Bank, Oregon, pelagic: 21 February 2009 From: Greg Gillson <greg AT thebirdguide.com> Date: Tue, 24 Feb 2009 13:01:02 -0800 Pleasant weather and seas and good birds made The Bird Guide's first pelagic trip of the year a great success! Eight guides joined the 15 participants, so there was ample help for all to spot and learn identification. It was a fun trip. The target for this trip was LAYSAN ALBATROSS. And, success! A bird came in and circled the boat early in the trip providing great looks for all. This makes 7 of 8 annual February and March Perpetua Bank trips recording this striking winter species. The 114 migrant RHINOCEROS AUKLETS, most in full breeding plumage, were expected. However, we were surprised by the 2000 CASSIN'S AUKLETS, most about 6-15 miles offshore in a band of exceptionally smooth water. This is our 3rd highest total (10,000 in October 2002) and was a complete surprise for this time of year. As David Mandell said, "miles and miles of gray rubber duckies happily floating along." This trip belonged to the gulls, though. We had 8 species and at least two additional hybrids. And we're still puzzling out one gull from the photos (either an odd large, pale Thayer's or a hybrid Herring x Glaucous-winged). Two GLAUCOUS GULLS graced this trip, the final one in the marina at Newport when nearly dark. We also had a NELSON'S (HERRING x GLAUCOUS) GULL at one of the three chum stops. The amazing 50(!) THAYER'S GULLS were exceeded only by the 80 HERRING GULLS and the typical 159 BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKES. One of the THAYER'S GULLS was banded with a numbered yellow flag. If anyone knows about this, please let me know. A few SOOTY and PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS were rather early, with no short-tailed shearwaters perhaps more surprising. Unfortunately, only a few people saw and identified a rare HORNED PUFFIN flying away and several small uncooperative flocks of distant ANCIENT MURRELETS. We counted exactly 20 pairs of MARBLED MURRELETS late in the day on two miles of ocean near shore just south of the moth of Yaquina Bay. Everyone had great views of these cute birds. We then entered the bay at dusk picking out a ROCK SANDPIPER on the Yaquina Bay south jetty. Trip photos: http://www.pbase.com/gregbirder/pelagic_trip_photos Brant 140 (bay) Greater Scaup 4 (bay) Surf Scoter 350 White-winged Scoter 45 Common Goldeneye 6 (bay) Bufflehead 4 (bay) Western Grebe 5 Red-necked Grebe 7 (bay and near shore) Horned Grebe 4 (bay) Common Loon 60 (most in bay) Red-throated Loon 4 (bay fly overs) Pacific Loon 2 Great Blue Heron 3 (bay) Black-footed Albatross 10 LAYSAN ALBATROSS 1 Northern Fulmar 104 Pink-footed Shearwater 6 Sooty Shearwater 13 Surfbird 10 (jetty) Black Turnstone 4 (jetty) ROCK SANDPIPER 1 (jetty) peep 75 Mew Gull 50 (near shore) California Gull 5 Herring Gull 80 Thayer's Gull 50 Western Gull 40 (most in bay and near shore) Glaucous-winged Gull 25 (most in bay) GLAUCOUS GULL 2 (one in bay, one 5 miles off shore) Black-legged Kittiwake 159 Glaucous-winged x Western Gull 30 Herring x Glaucous Gull 1 Common Murre 200 Pigeon Guillemot 25 Marbled Murrelet 40 Cassin's Auklet 2000 Rhinoceros Auklet 114 ANCIENT MURRELET 26 (Jim Danzenbaker, Tom Snetsinger) HORNED PUFFIN 1 (David Mandell, Jim Danzenbaker) Harbor Seal 8 (bay) California Sea Lion 10 (most in bay) Steller's Sea Lion 10 Northern Fur Seal 2 (Russ Namitz) Harbor Porpoise 6 Dall's Porpoise 3 Pacific White-sided Dolphin 2 Our next trip is April 18. We expect higher numbers of most of the species seen on Saturday's trip, plus more tubenoses (shearwaters and fork-tailed storm-petrels), phalaropes, terns and perhaps jaegers. There is still a chance for Laysan Albatrosses, too. This is the peak of the waterfowl and shorebird migration, and the beginning of the songbird migration, so a great time to spend the weekend birding the central Oregon coast. I actually can't think of a better place in Oregon to be watching birds in late April than along the coast. See our web site for details: http://thebirdguide.com/pelagics/ Greg Gillson The Bird Guide, Inc. Hillsboro, Oregon USA greg AT thebirdguide.com --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: New pelagic website www.scillypelagics.com From: "tubenose AT tiscali.co.uk" <tubenose@tiscali.co.uk> Date: Tue, 24 Feb 2009 19:38:28 +0100 (GMT+01:00) New Pelagic Website www.scillypelagics.com is the official website that provides comprehensive coverage of all matters relating to the famed short-range pelagic trips that operate out of the Isles of Scilly. Read about, book up, and prepare for our short-range pelagic trips via this portal. Learn about our research projects, peruse seabird articles, utilize our reference database, and visit our small but valuable online store. Fancy a job? - http://www.tiscali.co.uk/jobs/ __________________________________________ --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Good news for the albatrosses From: Ross Wanless <rosswanless AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:07:02 +0200 Hi All Below is a press release that hit the wires yesterday, detailing some fabulous results from the Albatross Task Force in South Africa, run by BirdLife South Africa. In a nutshell, the ATF work has resulted in an 85% reduction in seabird bycatch in selected fisheries. Still more work to be done, but it's great that the embattled albatrosses are getting some good news! I've included some links to the UK papers that covered this. Cheers Ross PS: spot my cameo appearance in the media release... http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article5786399.ece http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/theroyalfamily/4789704/Prince-of-Wales-We-should-protect-the-albatross.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/the-albatross-flying-high-again-1629346.html MEDIA RELEASE Tonight [Monday 23 February 2009] at a Clarence House reception, The Prince of Wales, will hear that many species of seabird – particularly 18 of the world’s 22 species of albatross threatened with extinction - have a brighter future thanks to a pioneering scheme uniting conservationists, the fishing industry and the South African government. The Prince of Wales - who has long been concerned about the dramatic decline of the albatross - will hear that for every 100 albatrosses being killed in fisheries in South African waters in 2006, 85 are now being saved thanks to the efforts of the Albatross Task Force working with the government and the fishing industry. The Albatross Task Force - created by the RSPB and BirdLife International in 2006 - is the first international scheme to place specialized instructors on fishing vessels to reduce the number of seabirds killed accidentally in fishing industries. The task force - first started in South Africa - initially worked with the longline fishing industry – targeting tuna and swordfish – but recently it has been extended to the trawling industry too. There are now ATF instructors in seven countries with globally-important populations of seabirds. The ATF’s Meidad Goren is the programme’s longest-serving instructor and will be updating HRH on the work of the task force. Ben Sullivan, the BirdLife Global Seabird Programme Coordinator, said: “The success of the task force has been amazing, as the South African fishery impacts on some of the world’s most threatened seabirds. By making such a positive move here, we are now hoping for greater success in other areas, particularly in Namibia and both coasts of South America.” Permit conditions which came to force in 2008 limited seabird ‘bycatch’ to 25 birds per longline vessel fishing for tuna and swordfish in South African waters. This has caused fishermen to take responsibility for the safety of seabirds while they are fishing. “Seabirds are attracted to the baited hooks and if they get caught they drown as the line sinks. We spend great deal of time with the fishermen showing them ways to prevent the birds from getting hooked. BirdLife South Africa believes that fishermen can continue to make a living without harming these endangered birds.” says Meidad Goren of BirdLife South Africa’s Albatross Task Force team. “Fishermen now understand that in order to continue fishing they must avoid killing seabirds, and are very cooperative.” Don Lucas, Chairman of South African Tuna Longline Association [SATLA], has been working closely with the ATF. He says “Only by working together can we achieve the main objective which is to have a sustainable and viable fishery in South Africa. We support the work of Albatross Task Force and encourage our members and fishermen to carry scientists and conduct research onboard fishing vessels to improve mitigation measures.” Prof Peter Ryan from the Percy FitzPatrick Institute at the University of Cape Town, has been actively engaged in seabird conservation, including fishery bycatch, for more than a decade. “Albatrosses are extremely long-lived, slow-reproducing birds, and their populations cannot withstand the sorts of losses that global longline fishing effort has created. Fishing is the main reason that 18 of 21 species of albatross are threatened with extinction,” he explained. An analysis by BirdLife South Africa of 2008 seabird mortality levels in the foreign tuna longline fleet showed that 153 albatrosses and petrels were reported killed. “This represents a decrease of 85 per cent from 2007 and it is extremely encouraging,” said Meidad Goren. Dr Ross Wanless, coordinator of the BirdLife Global Seabird Programme in Africa, said “This is a fantastic result and a huge endorsement for the ATF. We have to adopt an ecosystem approach to fisheries, to minimize the impacts of fishing on non-target species, including seabirds. Changing entrenched attitudes and practices is a slow process, but the ATF has shown that by working with government and industry, change is possible.” Albatross Task Force teams are now working in southern Africa and South America, each team engaging its country’s fisheries in an effort to reduce seabird mortalities. The teams are also conducting scientific investigations to improve the design and performance of various mitigation measures. For more information see: www.savethealbatross.net -- Ross Wanless +27 73 675 3267 --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Juan Fernandez expedition report From: Ross Wanless <rosswanless AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 24 Feb 2009 14:59:43 +0200 Many of will have seen my email last year offering spaces on a trip to the Juan Fernandez islands. Despite strong interest from several people, in the end I went alone. The main reason for this was because I was already going to be in Chile, whereas others would have made dedicated flights for the island trip, and there was too much uncertainty surrounding the logistics, particularly the availability of a suitable, safe vessel to use for pelagic trips. It turned out that there is a suitable vessel for charter there, but on my own it was too expensive, so I was unable to get to Masafuera (better known as Selkirk) Island, and was thus almost guaranteed to dip on the Stejneger’s, as well as the land birds endemic to that island. The islands are spectacular, and the endemics on Robinson Crusoe, where the town and landing strip are, were easily accessible and in true island fashion, ridiculously confiding. The seabirds were fantastically obliging. A short trip from the settlement by boat had us in waters where, amongst northern giant-petrels, white-bellied stormies and juvenile black-browed albatrosses, the Juan Fernandez petrel and pink-footed shearwaters were abundant, and they responded really well to chum. At times there were up to 10 JF petrels careening around the boat – and they really do careen. This, compounded by the small size of the boat I was bobbing around in, meant that even at 1/1500th of a second, I was still getting lots of unsharp images. I also visited several areas around the coast where the Kermadecs breed, and was able to see the full range of colour morphs for this sp. A highlight was visiting an active pink-footed shearwater colony at night and listening to them calling overhead as they prepared to resume incubating – but I’m a bit of a science nerd so this really appeals to me! I was able to meet up with Peter Hodum, another seabird biologist, who has worked for many years on the islands. Together we are planning to put together a commercial birding and pelagic trip for later this year, timed to coincide with the peak abundance of Stejneger’s and JF petrels, as well as early enough to get the De Filippi’s petrel (a winter breeder). Proceeds of the trip will go to the Juan Fernandez Conservation Society (which Peter is involved with) to support their seabird research and conservation actions. We will also donate money to the BirdLife Global Seabird Programme. So joining this trip would be a great way to get some major seabird lifers (and some cool endemic land birds) while contributing to their conservation! The trip will be limited to 8 people, and a ball-park, all-inclusive cost estimate (excluding international flights) is US$2500, and will run in early November (min 8 days 7 nights). It will include flights to the island, chartering a boat for crossing to Selkirk island, staying ashore at Selkirk and knocking about for a couple of day trips on land and at sea to clinch the ultimate photos of the desired birds. If anyone is seriously interested, please contact me directly and I’ll provide you with more details. By the way, I just heard that Alvaro Jaramillo, the author of ‘The Birds of Chile’ is dead-keen to come along, and Hadoram Shirihai is too, so you are unlikely to want for good birding company! There will be plenty of opportunity to arrange Chile birding trips either side of the JF trip. I’ll be posting images of my trip to a site shortly – still in the process of setting one up. Watch this space. Ross -- Ross Wanless +27 73 675 3267 --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- Subject: Fw: kleptoparasitism by wandering albatross From: "Birds of the SW Atlantic Ocean & Antarctica" <birds.swatlantic AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 19 Feb 2009 18:10:03 -0300 Hello all :-) I recently observed a wanderer chasing a black-browed at least 5 times, trying to steal food from the b-b-a bill. Was really interesting and obvious. that happened 10 days ago crossing the Drake towards the Antarctic peninsula. There are some photos taken by pax (M/V Ushuaia) and was witnessed by at least other 20 including 3 fellow biologists. The bird was a young adult female by plumage, nominate form. I have observed before royals and wanderers stealing food from other birds, around fishing vessels but only when swimming, rarely on the wing and never like this time. Are you aware of any references to this behavior? I mean, was like a giant skua or frigatebird chasing a tern!... Cheers! Chris PS: The BB finally escaped with most of the food (apparently squid?) "Never for me the lowered banner, never the last endeavour" Ernest Shackleton Christian Savigny Remolcador Guarani 979 (7600) Mar del Plata. Buenos Aires. Argentina chris_savigny AT yahoo.com.ar New mobile: [54-9]-223-5-657215 --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Seabird News" group. To post to this group, send email to Seabird-News AT googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Seabird-News+unsubscribe AT googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Seabird-News?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---