A long anticipated pelagic trip into the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf Stream to benefit the
Marine Science Center in Ponce de León Inlet was made on 19 May 2013.
The Sunrise above was photographed in the Atlantic Ocean off Ponce de León Inlet in May 2013.
One of two earlier pelagic trips in the cards was
canceled due to Tropical Storm Beryl nearly a year ago. Sixteen named storms later in the 2012 tropical storm season was Hurricane Sandy that would make landfall in late October along the eastern US seaboard just north of Atlantic City, New Jersey, and be the second most destructive storm in dollars behind Hurricane Katrina.
The Swainson's Thrush above was photographed in the Atlantic Ocean off Ponce de León Inlet in May 2013.
The wildlife observers above were photographed in the Atlantic Ocean off Ponce de León Inlet in May 2013.
The Wilson's Storm-Petrel above was photographed in the Atlantic Ocean off Ponce de León Inlet in May 2013.
The Wilson's Storm-Petrel above was photographed in the Atlantic Ocean off Ponce de León Inlet in May 2013.
Early arrival at the Fishin' Cove Marina with
Tom Obrock allowed observation of light winds. The darkness shrouded weather conditions at work which were deteriorating unnoticed until lightning could be seen to the north. Not attuned to weather forecasts, I was comforted by word from the leader of the trip, and director of the Marine Science Center, Michael Brothers, who advised a few days out that there were moderate winds and a zero chance of rain predicted. This forecast would prove to change dramatically after the 0300 launch of the
Pastime Princess.
The Wilson's Storm-Petrel above was photographed in the Atlantic Ocean off Ponce de León Inlet in May 2013.
The Sooty Tern above was photographed in the Atlantic Ocean off Ponce de León Inlet in May 2013.
The Sooty Tern above was photographed in the Atlantic Ocean off Ponce de León Inlet in May 2013.
The Sooty Tern above was photographed in the Atlantic Ocean off Ponce de León Inlet in May 2013.
As Michael took a roll call and advised of best practices on the boat, he asked if anyone heard THAT. He noted that it was the call of a Blackpoll Warbler that had flown overhead. Before boarding, it was good to see and speak with
Robert Doiron who jumped at the chance at making this trip. Robert has been very kind in making corrections to misidentified species in this blog. He was also kind enough to give me a trash bag that was used to protect the camera rarely used beyond the upper deck of the boat.
The Sooty Tern above was photographed in the Atlantic Ocean off Ponce de León Inlet in May 2013.
The Audubon's Shearwater above was photographed in the Atlantic Ocean off Ponce de León Inlet in May 2013.
The Audubon's Shearwater above was photographed in the Atlantic Ocean off Ponce de León Inlet in May 2013.
The Sooty Tern above was photographed in the Atlantic Ocean off Ponce de León Inlet in May 2013.
About two hours out, traveling to the Tuna grounds across the Gulf Stream, upwards a dozen birds in a tight flock braved the wind, rain, and darkness to investigate the boat. They made appearances on a few occasions a few minutes apart only viewable by the lights of the boat. On their last appearance they made what may have been an attempt to land on the bridge of the boat before finally disappearing into the darkness.
The Sooty Tern above was photographed in the Atlantic Ocean off Ponce de León Inlet in May 2013.
The Sooty Tern above was photographed in the Atlantic Ocean off Ponce de León Inlet in May 2013.
The Sooty Tern above was photographed in the Atlantic Ocean off Ponce de León Inlet in May 2013.
The Audubon's Shearwater above was photographed in the Atlantic Ocean off Ponce de León Inlet in May 2013.
These first birds seen on the trip appeared all white mainly showing their undersides, and have been noted as phalarope in
Andy Wraithmell's blog and confirmed as Red-necked Phalarope by Michael Brothers. That sighting made the trip worthwhile for me as an unforgettable memory. The weather conditions were not favorable for photography until midday as the thunderstorm overtook us out at sea.
The Audubon's Shearwater above was photographed in the Atlantic Ocean off Ponce de León Inlet in May 2013.
The Audubon's Shearwater above was photographed in the Atlantic Ocean off Ponce de León Inlet in May 2013.
The Sooty Tern above was photographed in the Atlantic Ocean off Ponce de León Inlet in May 2013.
The Audubon's Shearwater above was photographed in the Atlantic Ocean off Ponce de León Inlet in May 2013.
I had taken a Bonine tablet as a motion sickness precaution with another dose in order during the trip. I noticed that another remedy was in use as a patch behind the ear which I have learned is acquired through a prescription. This remedy proved not to be foolproof either. I was advised late on the trip to be sure to eat routinely and drink a lot of Gatorade. The pelagic birds observed were more distant from the boat for the most part than I had hoped.
The Audubon's Shearwater above was photographed in the Atlantic Ocean off Ponce de León Inlet in May 2013.
The Audubon's Shearwater above was photographed in the Atlantic Ocean off Ponce de León Inlet in May 2013.
The Audubon's Shearwater above was photographed in the Atlantic Ocean off Ponce de León Inlet in May 2013.
The White-tailed Tropicbird above was photographed in the Atlantic Ocean off Ponce de León Inlet in May 2013.
Robert noted that this trip was not great for photography of birds. It was certainly challenging to make documentation through images as six other species of bird including the Red-necked Phalarope observed on the trip eluded me. Though there were many co-leaders that Michael was not hesitant to give credit to, it was him and even more so
Roberto Torres who made frequent walks around the boat with broad smiles.
The Black-capped Petrel above was photographed in the Atlantic Ocean off Ponce de León Inlet in May 2013.
The Uraga Princess above was photographed in the Atlantic Ocean off Ponce de León Inlet in May 2013.
The Sooty Tern above was photographed in the Atlantic Ocean off Ponce de León Inlet in May 2013.
The Sooty Tern above was photographed in the Atlantic Ocean off Ponce de León Inlet in May 2013.
Primarily heavy crops of selected images taken reveal six species of aves personally seen for the first time which were Audubon's Shearwater, Black-capped Petrel, Sooty Tern, Swainson's Thrush, White-tailed Tropicbird, and Wilson's Storm-Petrel.
The Wahoo above was photographed in the Atlantic Ocean off Ponce de León Inlet in May 2013.
The aircraft above were photographed in the Atlantic Ocean off Ponce de León Inlet in May 2013.
The effects of the rolling sea on my equilibrium were significantly apparent even after the five hour drive home. I am greatly looking forward to the next pelagic adventure when able.
The scene above was photographed in the Atlantic Ocean off Ponce de León Inlet in May 2013.
