The pelagic out of VA Beach on Saturday was a great day in the Atlantic
with fine winter weather (brilliant sunshine, not too cold) and a
relatively benign sea that allowed the participants to enjoy the trip's
numerous interesting sights. Standing at the bow, watching Common
Dolphin approach the boat, then cruise with and frolic around it was a
kick; and our fine, close looks at sperm and fin whales were unexpected
bonuses.=20
=20
And the birding was excellent. Given that my previous pelagic experience
was a single trip off-shore Port Isabel, Texas in July 2000, the
Dovekie, Atlantic Puffin, and Northern Fulmar (and the adult Iceland
Gull) were lifers for me. Not surprisingly, most of the Dovekie zoomed
by in groups of 2 to 10 birds. We did locate several floating near the
boat in the afternoon, providing much improved views of this small
pelagic species. Of the 14 puffins we counted, several (4 or 5) were
close enough to provide truly excellent looks. Northern Fulmar were
numerous and often nearby, including several dark morph birds. At least
one adult (possibly two) and an immature Black-legged Kittiwake visited
close.=20
Brian Patteson, the spotters at the bow and stern, and the boat's
captain and mate, all did an excellent job of getting us on the birds
well and often. As a relative newbie to Virginia, this pelagic trip was
also a good opportunity to connect some of the names I often see on
VA-BIRD into faces, voices, and personalities.=20
=20
My spouse, Laura Long, and I spent Sunday on the CBBT and, late in the
afternoon, at a few locations (ESNWR, Rt 600 and 13, Cape Charles) in
Northampton County. Sunday's CBBT highlights have been described. We
did have excellent looks at the drake Eurasian Wigeon at the ESNWR ramp
road marsh pond at mid-afternoon (approx 3 pm).=20
=20
Mark Adams
Charlottesville
mtadams@xxxxxxxx=20
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