Download a PDF of “Preparing for a Texas Pelagic Trip 2019”
HOW TO ENJOY YOUR LONG DAY AT SEA:
If you have never been on a pelagic birding trip or a Texas Pelagic birding trip then you really need to carefully read this document and follow its advice. If you’ve been on a Texas Pelagic before it would still be worthwhile to review this for any updated information. I’ll try to give you a good idea of what to expect so you can be prepared both mentally and physically.
Lodging for Pelagic Trips:
Please keep in mind that since the pelagic trips are dependent on good weather make sure your hotel reservations offer free cancellation or can be cancelled within a few days of the trip without incurring a large cancellation fee.
South Padre Island: Make Friday night reservations for lodging close to or on South Padre Island:
Summer – High Season: The months of June, July and August are high tourist season on South Padre so hotel rates on the island are significantly higher by 2-3 times on the island than they are off the island, but it also has the advantage of being very close to the departure point at 4:30 am. Off the island there are hotels in Port Isabel, San Benito, Harlingen and Brownsville and other smaller towns but these are up to a 40 minute to one hour driving distance from the island. I personally find Harlingen a good place to stay during these months. I recently stayed at the Harlingen Hampton Inn and Suites for $100/night. When I checked the Island even the Super 8 was charging over $300/night for a room that wasn’t ½ as nice as The Hampton Inn. I remember staying at the Super 8 a few times in past summers for less than $120/night. If you don’t mind paying inflated tourist season rates there of plenty of nice expensive hotels on SPI.
After Labor Day – off Season: During the off season of September, October and November hotel rates on the island drop significantly and it is much easier to find a nice hotel at a more reasonable cost. Personally I like staying on SPI in the off-season months of to be close to the dock and when the rates drop to more affordable levels.
Port Aransas: Make Friday night reservations for lodging in or near Port Aransas.
There are a number of hotels in Port Aransas but they charge higher rates during the summer vacation season than other hotels off the islands. If price or availability is an issue in Port Aransas the following locations offer additional options for lodging. Aransas Pass offers a few hotels just 7 miles to the west and a ferry ride away, so be sure to factor in extra travel time in the morning for the ferry. I would guess that at 4:00 am there will be no line and only a short wait for the ferry to depart. I’ve found that these hotels are about ½ the price or less than similar lodging in Port Aransas. Ingleside is just beyond Aransas Pass to the west and has a few hotels too.
Mustang Island stretches for 19 miles south of Port A and has numerous condo style lodgings. North Padre Island is just over the Packery Channel bridge from Mustang Island about 20 miles / 30 minutes south of Port A. There are a few hotels here but being on the island they are also more expensive. Corpus Christi is about 30 miles away from Port A to the west of North Padre Island across the JFK Causeway.
Freeport: Make Friday night reservations for lodging in or near Lake Jackson
There are more than 10 well known chain hotels clustered along a 2 mile stretch of TX-288 in Lake Jackson about 6-8 miles (15 minutes) northwest (inland) from the Blue Fin boat dock. Late May is not tourist season in Lake Jackson and hotel rates ranged from $56/night for Motel 6 to $134/night at the Hampton Inn or Holiday Inn Express, with lots of options in-between when I checked in February 2019. There are also older, cheaper hotels in Freeport closer to the dock, including a nearby Motel 6. Additionally there are beach rentals in Surfside and to the northeast along the island.
Birders from the Houston area may consider driving down the morning of and driving home the evening after depending on where in Houston they live. I’ll probably stay nearby both nights since I live far north of Houston and need to be well rested for the long day at sea.
Learn the Birds:
Seabirds are among the most difficult families of birds to identify. To the untrained eye they all look basically alike within each family group. The difference between one species and another could be just subtle differences in underwing shading, size or some other subtle feature that can be very difficult to ascertain under typical viewing conditions at sea. Reviewing the ID field marks of the birds listed on the checklists, even if you’ve seen them before really helps because more than likely it may have been last year or longer since you’ve seen these birds. Aside from that there is not time to refer to the field guide when you’re trying to stay on the bird from the boat so it really helps to know what to look for. And if something rare shows up you’ll be more prepared to recognize it.
Well before the day of the trip review field guides to familiarize yourself with the birds we may hope to encounter. On my website there are seabird photo galleries which are a nice study aid: https://texaspelagics.com/seabird-occurance/tx-seabirds/
Also check out the Texas Seabirds Bargraph checklist I created that is available on the website at: https://texaspelagics.com/seabird-occurance/seabirds-bargraph-checklist/ This will help you to anticipate what birds can be seen during any month of the year.
Well before the day of the trip review field guides to familiarize yourself with the birds we may hope to encounter. Check out Brad McKinney’s annotated checklist Seabirds of the Lower Texas Coast for an idea of the possibilities.
The Weather:
Equipment to Bring:
Food and Beverages:
Seasickness prevention:
One of our frequent Pelagic Birders shared her tips for dealing with Mal-de-Mar: “I was asked to share what I do to guard against seasickness. A couple of quick statements: As with any medication please be sure and check with your doctor first. And remember that works for one may not be the best thing for another.
Here’s what works for me: I take Meclizine 25 mg tablets. If the Pelagic is Saturday, then I take one tablet Thursday evening before bed and one around 6pm on Friday evening and I am done. I do NOT take any the day of the trip. I also keep some ginger gum on hand just in case the trip is unusually rough. At the slightest sense of queasiness I will chew a piece.
A money saving tip: Dramamine markets 25 mg of Meclizine in their “less-drowsy formula”. Usually 8 tablets for about $4.00. However, if you go to Wal-Mart Pharmacy (and maybe other pharmacies too) they generally have meclizine 25mg tablets in a bottle of 100, behind the counter and the cost is usually right around $5.00 for the whole bottle. They can sell this without a prescription if the bottle is unopened.”
Finally is all this fails and you must succumb to chumming, deliberately head for the stern (back) of the boat with the wind at your back so the barf goes overboard (where it may actually do some good). Never lose it in the head (toilet) or you and everyone else on board will be very sorry you did.
What to wear and Avoiding Sun Exposure:
In July, August and September it’s likely to be very warm or hot offshore.
Adams Extreme Performance Cap: Four-panel, low profile cap made of 70% cotton/ 30% nylon UV protective (UPF 45+) fabric, with elongated bill for sun protection, mesh on the two side panels for extra breathing ability, nylon webbing outside Velcro closure, elastic cord and plastic clip. Also includes Adams exclusive Cool-Crown comfort mesh lining, and terrycloth sweatband. Care Instructions: Hand wash in cold water. Do not bleach. Do not iron. Do not tumble-dry. One Size its Most Price:
Adams Extreme Outdoor Cap: Need a hat for those long, hot afternoons on the pelagic? Lightweight 70% cotton, 30% nylon fabric is treated with DuPont Teflon water and stain repellent to reflect UV rays (UPF 45+). Neck cape with patented zipper pocket. Terry cloth sweatband. Sewn eyelets. Matching fabric lining only behind front panel. Metal clip attaches to collar and a cord system with a barrel lock adjusts sizing. Adams exclusive Cool-Crown mesh lining. 3-3/4″ visor length for added sun protection. Green undervisor to reduce sun glare. One Size Fits All
Exposure and Dehydration:
The Night Before and Morning of:
When and Where to Meet:
The posted departure time for each trip is when the boat leaves from the dock. All participants should plan to arrive at the dock no later than 30 minutes prior to the departure time for sign-in and a safety briefing. Please be on time, we cannot wait if you are late.
South Padre Island:
The Osprey Dock is located on Pier 19 on South Padre Island about ¼ miles south of the Queen Isabella Causeway from Port Isabel to South Padre Island on the bay side. After crossing the Queen Isabella Causeway from Port Isabel to South Padre Island turn right on Padre Island Blvd proceed ¼ mile to the first right turn onto the road through the KOA campground to the Osprey Pier. There is a big illuminated KOA sign here.
Osprey also runs the Pirate ships from Port Isabel so don’t go there unless you’d rather be a pirate for the day 😉
Here is a map to Osprey Fishing Boats at Pier 19 on South Padre Island.
Port Aransas:
Captain Kelly’s Deep Sea Headquarters is located very close to the ferry landing on the Municipal Boat Harbor in Port Aransas. If you’re coming off the ferry from Aransas Pass it is just beyond the first intersection traffic light (Cut-Off Road + W. Cotter Ave) on the left. They have asked that we pull up to the Headquarters to drop off our stuff. Then someone in the parking lot will direct you to the satellite parking lot about a block away. There will be a golf cart to take you back to the headquarters.
Here is a link to an interactive map: Captain Kelly’s Deep Sea Headquarters, Port Aransas.
Freeport:
The Blue Fin Charters Dock is located at 231 W. Brazos, Freeport, TX 77541 on the Brazos River 5.7 miles by boat from the Gulf of Mexico. Parking is one block away from the dock. About 10 well known chain hotels are clustered along a 2 mile stretch of TX-288 in Lake Jackson about 6-8 miles (15 minutes) northwest further inland.
Contact Info Blue Fin Charters: 979-239-1133 info@bluefinfreeport.com
Capt Ken’s Port-o-call seafood restaurant (ice house) at 75 Oak St, Freeport, TX 77541 is located just a block or two away from the dock and looks like a good place to have our post-Pelagic dinner.
Here is a link to an interactive map: Blue Fin Charters. Freeport.
Safety onboard:
A rocking boat far offshore has inherent dangers that you need to be aware of for your own safety. On the morning before departure the boat crew reviews safety procedures including the location of life vests, rafts and etc. and be sure to pay attention.. The trip leaders will also review most of the information I’ve prepared here and probably a few things I forgot. One day at sea is not long enough to acquire good sea legs so be careful how you walk about and hang on to the railings or seat backs.
The upper deck on the Osprey is the best place to view seabirds. It offers an almost 360 degree view of the Gulf. However it is also much rockier up there than it is on the lower deck. So standing is more difficult and if you’re prone to seasickness than you will have a rougher time on the upper deck. Please access the upper deck only from the rear stairs on the stern.
One more thing is to watch the cabin hatch doors. These heavy watertight metal doors can swing wildly if left unsecured and could easily smash your fingers or ring your gong. Always hang on tight to them when passing in or out of the cabin and be sure to latch them behind you.
What to expect during the Trip:
No two Texas pelagic trips are alike. We just never know what we’re gonna get! On some trips we may experience calm seas and have fantastic close up views of many birds perched on the sea and hundreds of marine mammals and fish. Other trips may have more challenging, rougher sea conditions where it is difficult to hold your binoculars steady enough to see anything very well and all the seabirds are quickly flying by. Some trips will have nearly continuous action for most of the day with hundreds of seabirds being seen. However other trips may experience only a few dozen widely scattered sightings with long and boring periods in between where nothing is seen, not a single bird or marine animal of any kind. Pelagic birding can be challenging and admittedly it is not for everyone.
But despite its challenges many Texas Pelagics can be unbelievably awesome, amazing and exciting life experiences you will never forget. Our leaders and our large following of “Regular” participants have experienced multiple trips like this. It is what keeps us coming back for every trip year after year. There is nowhere else you can go birding in Texas where you can routinely expect to get a “Texas Review Species” on almost every trip. There is still so much yet to be discovered about seabirds in the Gulf of Mexico. Undoubtedly many species considered very rare or accidental in offshore Texas are in fact probably regular, there is just no one out there to observe them often enough.
To really get a feel for the Texas Pelagic experience there are three great resources available to you. This website has an extensive and exclusive collection of trip archives. Links to trip reports from almost every past public trip and photo albums from many past trips are available here: Summary Table of all Texas Pelagics. Browse through the website for seabird and marine mammal galleries and tons of other information related to Texas Pelagics and the Gulf of Mexico.
The past few years as our Facebook Texas Pelagics group has grown there are a huge number of leaders and participants photos, videos and commentary posted to this site. It is an incredibly valuable resource to browse through. I highly recommend that everyone who is planning to participate in a Texas Pelagic join the group. This link will take you there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/219671194850690/
There is also a Texas Pelagics Facebook Page that you should like to see the latest updates on Texas Pelagics from me. https://www.facebook.com/Texas-Pelagics-173057036078295/?ref=hl
Spotting birds and other Marine life:
Pelagic birding is undoubtedly one the most difficult types of birding. Not only are the birds difficult to identify but the sea conditions make it extra challenging. A rocking boat with unsteady footing, sea spray, wind, sun glare and a distant flying bird frequently ducking behind the waves all combine to make a pelagic birder’s viewing conditions very difficult.
During the trip it really helps if everyone takes and active part in searching for birds. When a suspected seabird is sighted use the clock reference to describe where the bird is. 12 o’clock is straight off the bow, 3:00 is to the right (starboard) when facing the forward; 6:00 straight off the stern and 9:00 off the left (port) side. Also use the horizon as a reference, is the bird above or below the horizon, low to the water or up high. Describe which direction is it flying and what is its approximate distance.
PLEASE speak-up LOUDLY and immediately if you see something interesting. There is no reason pelagic birders need to keep quiet, so yell out so you are easily heard by as many people as possible. Keep you binoculars focused on the animal and yell out where you are looking and what is it. Just yelling out “BIRD” is not very helpful. Yelling out “BIRD AT 3 O’CLOCK, BELOW THE HORIZON, FLYING LEFT, 100 YARDS OUT” is extremely helpful!
CARDINAL RULE #1: Don’t tell us about the bird or animal you saw an hour later or worse yet back at the dock. Always speak up immediately even if you are unsure about what it is or if it is interesting enough. We are always interested in EVERYTHING offshore. Identification at sea is very challenging so don’t be shy.
If you’re going to sit or sleep inside the cabin and wait to be called when a sighting happens then you should accept that you’re going to miss a lot. Often birds will fly by the boat without stopping. Even if you are actively scanning for birds you will still miss some things. In fact even if you’re standing next to the person who calls out a sighting you may still miss it. This is just the nature of pelagic birding. But try not to get discouraged. Keep practicing and with experience you should get the hang of it.
Seabird Photography:
Digital photography has helped to revolutionize seabird identification. Given the inherent difficulties of seabird identification in typical at sea field conditions, sometimes a decent digital photograph will confirm or change a visual identification. We have experienced this many times while still out at sea. Everyone is encouraged to bring their cameras and attempt to photograph the birds we see. Be careful to protect your camera from corrosive sea spray. My favorite water resistant cover for cameras is the “Storm Jacket” available here in a variety of sizes and colors. I couple the storm jacket with a “Black Rapid” camera strap for quick access to my long lens.
ACTION REQUIRED: I have a simple request for all the photographers. Please take 1 minute to synch the time on your digital cameras accurately to the time on your mobile phone, as all mobile phone networks are synched to the standard atomic clock. This is important because the only practical way to compare all the different photographer’s images of the same bird is to reference the camera time stamp embedded in the exif file of every digital photo.
Post-Trip Follow-Up:
Preparing for a Pelagic Birding Trip 2019: Download PDF
There have been 2 articles published in the ABA’s Birders Guide to Travel in the past couple years that also give very good overviews of preparing for a Pelagic trip: Click on these links to view a PDF of these articles.
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