Nov 9, 2008; S Padre Island; TRIP REPORT
Aboard the Osprey II
Subject: South Padre Island Pelagic results 9 Nov 08
Date: Mon, 10 Nov 2008 03:55:48 GMT
From: Brad McKinney
Good evening,
Texas pelagics in November can be a dicey proposition. With seas only dropping into the makeable realm on Saturday afternoon, today’s trip was a go. The pelagic crew endured rough conditions but was treated to excellent looks at Pomarine Jaegers. The highlight was an adult Pomarine Jaeger complete with long twisted central tail feathers hovering at point blank range. It is always cool observing jaegers harassing Laughing Gulls. In all 13 jaegers were observed in a variety of ages/plumages: nine Pomarine Jaegers, one probable Parasitic, and three jaeger species. As expected, the jaegers were found near shrimp boats on shelf waters from about 20-40 miles out.
Somewhat surprising was the smattering of Franklin’s Gulls (20) found throughout the day in offshore waters. Also seen was an Audubon’s Shearwater in deepwater, about 50 miles out. Rounding out the offshore list were a small flock of Red Knots and five unidentified ducks (50 miles out). We were surprised to see a Magnificent Frigatebird a mile out from the jetties coming in. We saw numerous bottlenose dolphins as well as a small pod of spotted dolphins during the day. Many thanks to Mary Gustafson and the Rio Grande Birding Festival for organizing an excellent pelagic.
Brad McKinney Rancho Viejo
FINAL TRIP LIST :
TOTAL PELAGIC SPECIES – 4
TOTAL PELAGIC SEABIRDS – 15
Pomarine Jaeger (9)
Parasitic Jaeger (1)
Jaeger sp) (3)
Audubon’s Shearwater (1)
Magnificent Frigatebird (1)
MARINE MAMMAL Sp:
Bottlenose Dolphins (many)
Spotted Dolphins (small pod)
–
GPS Track Not Available.
OCEANOGRAPHIC AND WEATHER CONDITIONS:
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