Wednesday, May 23, 2012

FORT BRAGG SEABIRD TRIPS

Howdy, Seabirders,

Pelagic trips from Fort Bragg offered by Shearwater Journeys, Inc. this season are scheduled for FRIDAY, AUGUST 24 and SATURDAY, AUGUST 25. Both trips will be aboard the TREK II, an excellent vessel with a large bow. These trips will target, specifically, HAWAIIAN PETREL, a Federally Endangered Species. Of the single day seabird trips off the west coast, these trips offer the best chances for finding this petrel. We have had about a 50% success rate. Therefore, it is best to sign up for both days! We have had past weekends where one trip found Hawaiian Petrels, and the very next day did not!

Past trips from Fort Bragg have included not only HAWAIIAN PETREL, but also, such rare seabirds as MANX SHEARWATER, STREAKED SHEARWATER, MURPHY'S PETREL, SHORT-TAILED ALBATROSS, LAYSAN ALBATROSS, SHY ALBATROSS, HORNED PUFFIN and more. Perhaps, we'll have a surprise seabird this year! For more information on Hawaiian Petrel, Fort Bragg trips, and the 2010 trip report, click here.

Leaders for this year's trips, do date include:

AUGUST 24: JON DUNN, TODD MCGRATH, LISA HUG, DEBI SHEARWATER
AUGUST 25: LISA HUG, TODD MCGRATH, DEBI SHEARWATER

More leaders may be added.

Please note that these trips can be combined with the following two trips: Wednesday, AUGUST 22 departing from Bodega Bay and Monday, AUGUST 27, departing from Half Moon Bay. If you are traveling a long distance, it makes sense to try to book on as many trips as possible during your stay.

All trips depart from Noyo Harbor at 6:30 a.m. and return between 4:30 - 6 p.m. Parking is free (do not park in spaces marked for Silver's Wharf). Directions are here. Dress warmly, including waterproof outer layers, hats and gloves. Bring lunch and drinks. Restroom is available on board. This is a large, stable vessel, however, you should take seasickness precautions. Advance reservations for overnight accommodations are recommended. Check with the Surf Motel & Gardens for a possible Shearwater Discount.

Hawaiian Petrels Forever,
Debi Shearwater

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