Friday, August 2, 2013

BREAKING NEWS: HAWAIIAN PETREL- MONTEREY BAY, AUGUST 2, 2013

Howdy, Seabirders,
Shearwater Journeys' pelagic trip departing from Monterey today, August 2, 2013 was simply spectacular! The highlight of the day was a HAWAIIAN PETREL, Pterodroma sandwichensis. These images are courtesy of David Pavlik, copyright. Please do not use without permission.

I spotted this petrel without binoculars, about 0945 while in conversation with Brian Sullivan and Will Russell. I said, "What is this bird?" while lifting my bins to look at it. Brian immediately yelled, "HAWAIIAN PETREL" while reaching for his camera. It as a life bird for Brian and many other folks on board, including Sandy Komito of "The Big Year" fame. 
 The Hawaiian Petrel ranges in the central Pacific and breeds on the Hawaiian Islands. 
This mysterious petrel is seriously threatened. A new study by federal and university scientists has provided the first direct evidence of feral cats in Hawaii killing the endangered Hawaiian Petrel
These images are provided courtesy of David Pavlik who is doing a Conservation Photographic Big Year, raising funds for the American Bird Conservancy. Please consider a donation in support of their conservation efforts. 
Shearwaters & Petrels Forever,
Debi

A full report of this trip, including county details will follow. 


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