Bill Maynard, editor of the American Bird Association (ABA) newsletter
Winging It has wisely reinstated the annual 'pelagic' issue (Feb 2008). Besides the 14 pages dedicated to detailed listings of pelagic birding trips in ABA region waters (USA, Canada and Mexico) there are three overview articles.
Brian Patteson "Pelagic Birding off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina." Winging It 20(1):1-5.Brian provides an update on the year-round pelagic birding off the Outer Banks of North Carolina, highlighting the remarkable diversity of birds and continued mysteries.
W. Terry Hunfeld "Deep Water Seabirding: The Final Frontier." Winging It 20(1):6-7.The use of 'live-aboard' vessels such as the 'Searcher' have made it easier for Californian birders to explore the deep waters west or southwest of San Diego. Regional and national rarities are found on most trips and there is a strong possibility major new discoveries.
Brad Benter "It Was So Unbelievable, You Almost Wouldn't Believe It!" Winging It 20(1):9.An personnal account of seeing several Short-tailed Albatross in the waters around the Ingenstrem Rocks (52.64, 174.52) near Shemya Island in the Aleutians.
The pelagic directory and Brian's article are available for download as PDFs from the
Winging It archive. The availability of the former will be very useful to birders from other countries that might be planning to visit the ABA area and hoping to book themselves on an offshore trip.
Welcome back 'pelagic issue'!
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!!
