September 17 Pelagic Highlights

Despite high winds, some rain, moderate swells and waves, our 8 hour pelagic made it 27 miles offshore, and saw low numbers of most expected species.  Highlights were Black-footed Albatross, Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel, Parasitic Jaeger, South Polar Skua, and the always charismatic Sabine's Gull. Ocean conditions made spotting alcids difficult, but we did have small numbers of Cassin's Auklet, Rhinoceros Auklet, and Marbled Murrelet. Animal highlights include great views of humpback whales and amazing views of the blue shark feeding in our chum slick.

September 17, 2017 Pelagic -- Go or No Go?

Greetings! 
For those passengers on the September 17 pelagic, we will be monitoring the weather forecasts closely between now and the pelagic.  There will be high winds, but at this point on Thursday, we don't know if they will keep us from going out.  I will speaking with the charter office, checking the weather reports every day, and sending  updates Friday, and if necessary Saturday night.  We have a number of people who would go out in any conditions to have the experience of seeing seabirds, but rest assured that we will not be leaving the dock if there are any concerns about safety! 

Shorebird Festival Pelagic -- Amazing shearwaters!

The 5 hour pelagic trip run out of Charleston aboard the Betty Kay in conjunction with the Shorebird Festival was a great success.  Highlights were one TUFTED PUFFIN, four species of shearwaters -- SOOTY, PINK-FOOTED, good numbers of the elegant BULLER'S, and two FLESH-FOOTED, one of which sat on the water, giving all passengers good views.  Throw in BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS, NORTHERN FULMARS and FORK-TAILED STORM-PETRELS, auklets, and other seabirds, and you have the makings of an excellent trip.