[CINC] Pelagic Trip Sept 17

[Mr Zalophus]

Message from our birding leader:
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Birders:

I am happy to announce a special pelagic trip on the Condor Express for
September 17th, done in conjunction with Condor Cruises and the Island
Naturalists Corps.

This 8 hour trip will depart at 8:00AM (meet at 7:30). The cost for this
trip is a very reasonable $90.

Mid-September is right about the peak of seabird species diversity off
Southern CA, and we can expect a wide variety of fall migrants and resident
seabirds.

Our plan will be to work south of the Santa Barbara Channel to find the warm
water edges along the Santa Cruz basin. Storm-petrels often raft in these
areas and this is the best place to look for Least Storm-Petrels in Santa
Barbara and Ventura counties. This area can also host large rafts of
Pink-footed Shearwaters, and is the perfect area to look for rarer
shearwaters such as Flesh-footed. Rarities in this area at this time of year
have included Streaked Shearwater, Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel, and Blue-footed
and Brown Boobies as well as Red-billed Tropicbird. None of these can be
expected, but it is great time of year to check this area.

Ashy, Black, and perhaps Leach's Storm-Petrels can be found, plus we have a
good chance at all the Jaegers and Skua, plus an array of alcids and other
pelagic species.

We will be planning to spend time in both Ventura and Santa Barbara
Counties, so this should be a good trip to do some county listing.

The Condor Express is a great boat with a full galley, ample seating and
deck space and is a stable platform for viewing and photographing birds. The
crew is world class.

This should be a great trip for both experienced pelagic birders, as well as
those who have never been on a pelagic. The boat will be well equipped with
a cadre of our usual leaders, who will be pointing out the birds and helping
participants make the most of their day.

Call the Sea Landing at 888-77Whale to reserve your spot today. I hope to
see you on the 17th.

Todd McGrath
SKUA at MSN.COM
Calabasas CA
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