WINTER PELAGICS

Goals for Birds & Wildlife One of the exciting aspects of pelagic Birding is one never knows what they will see. On these trips, we set our sights on trying to encounter, auks, tubenoses, phalarope's, and scarce gull species. Seabirds are unpredictable, but some of our hoped for birds include:

Auks (a.k.a. alcids): Razorbill, Dovekie, Atlantic Puffin, Common Murre, & Thick-billed Murre
Tubenoses: Northern Fulmar, Manx Shearwater, and other less expected species.
Gulls: Little Gull, Iceland Gull, Glaucous Gull, & Black-legged Kittiwake.
Sulids: Northern Gannet
Shorebirds: Red Phalarope
There are many other birds we could also encounter, but these are among the more hoped for or expected.

Recent eBird trip report from a very good day last winter:
https://ebird.org/tripreport/187865

We may also encounter other wildlife such as Common Dolphin, Humpback Whale, or even other cetaceans. On the Delaware trips we are likely to see both Harbor Seals and Gray Seals.

Cancellations & Communication

Weather is a big factor in our ability to run these trips. In winter sometimes only 50% of our scheduled trips are able to go. Currently we do not have weather dates for any of our trips, but we may add departures later if we face the need to cancel due to weather. All pelagic bookings are through the boats/captains. Hillstar Nature is onboard to provide guidance on the nature and wildlife being observed. Whether a trip sails or does not go is a captain's decision.

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 the fastest & easiest way to get the word out. We will seek to keep you informed via email as well, but please mind that our messages are sometimes directed to spam/junk.

Weather is a big variable that can help or hinder our efforts. Be sure to have good quality raingear (raincoat & rainpants) and waterproof footwear and bring layers to add or remove to keep comfortable. Winter trips range from cool to frigid, and a little breeze and put some salt spray in the air. While one can typically warm up and take a break inside the cabin, it's best to be prepared to spend the bulk of your time outside. So be ready to be exposed to the elements (cold, saltwater spray or splashing).

Fitness & rigor: Participants should be able-bodied enough to move about safely while aboard the boat, including during seas that can be windy, choppy and rough. Participants are expected to be in reasonably good shape such that they have at least average arm/leg strength and decent balance for when seas rock the boat, so one 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. Check behind you (tall people especially!) and try to 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.