Deep Water Pelagic

  • 23 hour trip departing at 8:30pm on September 24

  • Departing out of Lewes, DE and

    exploring Maryland waters

Set sail with Hillstar Nature

This trip our focus is on finding deep-water (90-110 miles offshore) and warm-water specialties such as storm-petrels, shearwaters, and if we’re lucky petrels in the genus Pterodroma. Birding mostly in Maryland waters, we expect Wilson’s storm petrel, Band-rumped Storm petrel, Great and Cory’s Sheawaters and could also see Audubon’s shearwater, Leach’s Storm-Petrel, and Manx Shearwater. Both Red & Red-necked Phalarope are possible, and this is a good season for jaegers (all 3 species possible), and scarce terns. At the Continental Shelf and just beyond, we can hope for rare species such as Black-capped Petrel or South Polar Skua, and even other oddballs. This is also prime season and habitat for White-faced Storm-Petrel, which is a primary target but will require some luck.

Take a tour of the boat, The Great Getaway.

The wildlife varies in its number and presence, but some constellation of birds and cetaceans should be in evidence. Cetaceans could include Bottlenose Dolphin, Short-finned Pilot Whale, Cuvier’s Beaked Whale, Fin Whale, Humpback Whale among others. Often, we see Ocean Sunfish (Mola mola), sea turtles, and other marine life. The seas offer challenges and rewards, remaining a great frontier still, and one never knows exactly what a trip offshore will yield. We shall work to put ourselves in the best possible position to see as much as we can.

White-faced Storm Petrel photo by Paul Guris

Where/When

Passengers should be at the dock at 7:30pm for check-in and orientation, before we head out to sea. Please be on-time to board our boat, THE GREAT GETAWAY.

Park at:
Fisherman’s Wharf
107 Anglers Rd
Lewes, DE 19958 LINK here for directions.


Communication

Please join the Hillstar Nature Telegram Channel “Hillstar Pelagics” for the latest updates on this trip and others, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for news as well. In the event we must cancel a trip, or when announcing a new one, Telegram and Facebook are often th fastest & easiest way to get the word out. We will seek to keep you informed via email as well, but this takes more time, and please mind that our messages are sometimes directed to spam/junk. Have a look there if you’re expecting a note from us and haven’t received one.

Food & Sleeping Arrangements

Bring your own gear for sleeping on deck (sleeping pad, sleeping bag, pillow, etc.). Boarding is in order of registration date/time with registrants who secure their spaces first have first choice as to sleep area. Bring enough food and drink for a 22-hour trip as the boat does not provide meals. But, please try not to overpack as space is limited onboard.

Weather is a big variable that can help or hinder our efforts. Be sure to have good quality raingear and waterproof footwear and bring layers to add or remove to keep comfortable. Summer trips can be hot with lots of exposure to sun, so be sure to have sunscreen, sunglasses and light layers to protect from sun exposure.

Fitness & rigor: Participants should be able-bodied enough to move about safely while aboard the ship, including during seas that can be windy, choppy and rough. Generally speaking, participants are expected to be in reasonably good shape such that they have average or better arm/leg strength and decent balance for when seas rock the boat, and can keep their feet planted on deck. If you have questions about the fitness expected, please be in touch. Pelagic trips are not suitable for everyone.

Sea-sickness is a possibility for those prone to motion sickness, or even for the overtired. Good rest and solid breakfast can help stave off nausea, but of course there are no guarantees. Different remedies work for different people, but nothing works for everyone. Some folks recommend Dramamine, Bonine, or prescription Scopace. Bland foods that keep your stomach from moving around too much can help too. Packable, portable snacks that do not require preparation are best, especially if the boat is rocking, as you’ll need a hand (or two) free for keeping steady and secure. Ginger foods are often recommended to help fend off nausea as well. Best thing is to keep snacking throughout the day, such that your stomach always has a little food in it, keep outside in the fresh air, and keep your eyes on the horizon.

eBird

Hillstar will have a designated leader keeping eBird lists for everyone onboard. We then share these lists within a few days of the end of the trip, using the email address you provide to us. In order to keep things clean and not over-complicate the ornithological record, we ask that you accept the lists that Hillstar Nature shares with you, and not keep your own independent lists.

Resources

A recommended book for seabird & pelagic enthusiasts is:

Offshore Sea Life ID Guide: East Coast
by Steve N. G. Howell & Brian L. Sullivan

Tipping: Your fee includes a tip for the ship’s mate, but not for the birding leaders and spotters. Your leaders and spotters are present at their own expense, to assist participants in finding and seeing birds and other wildlife. If everyone chips in a little bit, that helps to ensure we retain and attract good leaders on pelagics.

Courtesy

Courtesy is an important element of these trips. Please help each other out. Remember to check behind you (tall people especially) and try and allow everyone the space they need to see, photograph and enjoy the wildlife. Be sure to communicate concerns with our staff. Our staff and leaders are watchful for team players and folks who are not, and Hillstar Nature reserves the right to refuse service to anyone who acts in a way detrimental to the experience we are aiming to deliver.

Recommendations & Notes

No pets are allowed on board. These pelagic trips are best suited for adults or teenagers, but not for kids aged 12 or younger. Do not bring a spotting scope or tripod aboard as the boat’s motion renders them useless and they will only take up valuable space and get in the way.