[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ TAS BirdBoard ] [ FAQ ]
Posted by Toe on 15:16:59 09/16/05
This morning Trey Mitchell, Paul Bithorn, and I went on a last-minute pelagics trip. We all had to be back early, so we only had until about 11:00 to find something cool offshore. We started at dawn at Fowey Rocks Lighthouse where we had 3 Brown Boobies, including great views at an adult. Heading offshore we quickly found Bridled and Sooty Terns, Cory's Shearwaters, Common Terns, and 2 more Brown Boobies. A run out to the middle of the stream was unproductive except for a pair of Red-necked Phalaropes that outran my boat at 30 knots. Heading back in to the 450 foot area we quickly got into the birds again, adding Black Tern and Brown Noddy, along with 2 flocks of Blue-winged Teal. We decided to run slowly along a weedline and put out a lure for dolphin. Within minutes we had a dolphin on the line. Just as Trey put down his camera and picked up the rod a flock of 10 Red-necked Phalaropes flew within 30 feet of the boat. Trey couldn't believe it, all for a 5 lb. dolphin. I little down the same weedline we got to see two more phalaropes sitting on the water. Our tally, as best I can remember:
Brown Booby (5)
Red-necked Phalarope (14)
Cory's Shearwater ~15
Bridled Tern ~15
Sooty Tern ~40
Common Tern ~25
Brown Noddy
Black Tern (2)
Royal Terns (many)
Sandwich Terns (some)
Great Black-backed Gull
Magnificent Frigatebird (~12)
Blue-winged Teal (~35)
Mystery Gull (1)
Feel free to add or change anything I missed Paul and Trey. A pretty nice morning considering the time limitations. I look forward to seeing Trey's photos. I'm sure Paul is thinking life is real good, especially after getting 5 year birds!
[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ TAS BirdBoard ] [ FAQ ]