Black-capped Petrel returns to the Azores?

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.

North Carolina Paulagics

Currently in Manteo, North Carolina enjoying some spectacular seabirding aboard the Country Girl out of Pirates Cove. We've seen good numbers of Pterodroma petrels with well over a hundred Black-capped Petrels and brief encounters with Bermuda (Cahow) and one, possibly two, Trindade (Herald) Petrels. Also South Polar Skua on 3 out of 4 days, plus playful Arctic Terns and many great looks at Band-rumped (Madeiran) and Leach's Storm-Petrels. Marine mammals included a pod of Cuvier's Beaked Whales and large numbers of Short-finned Pilot Whales. If you are near the Outer Banks, there are spaces on the boat for this coming Friday and Saturday. Check out the Paulagics web site for details. Come on Down!!