So Cal Pelagic Birding
Pelagic Trips And Deep Water Expeditions

BLUE-FOOTED BOOBY REFOUND ON APRIL 26
BY PELAGIC BIRDERS DAVID POVEY AND
PETER A. GINSBURG 

Itinerary

Depart Saturday, May 10, 6:30 a.m. from Point Loma Sportsfishing marina.

Sail west to the life-zones along the 9-mile bank where we'll see shearwater, storm-petrels, alcids and look for Cory's Shearwater and Brown Booby, both seen in ABA/San Diego waters in 2007. 

Sail south into Mexican waters to the Los Coronados Islands to explore the nesting colonies of Brown Pelicans and Brown Boobies (and chicks?) and look for Masked Booby (seen 4 Dec 2007  and 19 Jan 2008 ), Blue-footed Booby (seen repeatedly in 2007 and again on April 26, 2008) and Cory's Shearwater seen on “middle rock” since March 23, 2005.  We'll also see Elephant Seals and one, perhaps two species of oystercatchers.

The Trip 

PARKING - There is plenty of parking at Point Loma Sportsfishing for $5 a day.

Departure point:
Point Loma Sportfishing
1403 Scott Street
San Diego, CA 92106
Phone: 619-223-1627

DAY OF DEPARTURE   Arrive at Point Loma Sportsfishing at 5:30 a.m.  Park, pick up your boarding pass at the ticket office and board the boat no later than 6:00 a.m.  for a 6:30 departure.  Coast Guard security procedures requires a photo I.D.  It takes 30 minutes from the time everyone is on the boat to get clearance from the Coast Guard to depart.  Please don't be the person to hold up the departure. 

CANCELLATIONS  Only the landing can process cancellations.  Their refund and substitution policy is described in the reservations link

FULL SERVICE GALLEY  Breakfast, pastries, coffee, burgers, sandwiches and beverages are available in the Grande galley for purchase.

FUEL  Prices for this trip were calculated on fuel charges in December, 2007.  In the event that fuel exceeds $3.50 a gallon, there may be a small surcharge when boarding the boat, not to exceed $5 per person. 

MAKE A RESERVATION 
Reserve by check, telephone or website.  
Click here to find out how. 

Our goal is to help you have FUN, see lots of seabirds and understand the birds you see.  To that end, experienced pelagic leaders will be stationed around the boat.  You will recognize them by  their name tags.  They are on board for one reason: to HELP YOU SEE BIRD AND HAVE FUN.  Ask them lots of questions.  This is your opportunity to tap their knowledge and increase your knowledge of seabirds.

STORAGE:  Please don’t store gear, coolers or clothing on the floor, tables or benches in the salon – leave that space for people.  There is lots of room down below in the bunkhouse for your stuff.  Please store your bags, packs, gear and coolers in the bunkhouse on the unused bunks or outside the salon in the tackle racks.

BACKPACKS:  Please don’t wear a backpack on the boat becase it makes it very difficult for others to maneuver around you.  Please store your backpack below in the bunkhouse or on the tackle racks. 

FIGHT SEASICKNESS:  Coffee, water, snacks, pastries, sandwiches and soft drinks are available for sale in the galley.  Eat and drink fluids.  A full stomach is less likely to betray you.

MOTION MEDICATION:  If you have a motion-pill or a patch, now is the time to use it.  If you wait until you feel queasy, it’s too late.  If you find that you must offer up your breakfast to the chum-gods, please do so on the stern, at the very back of the boat, over the back rail. 

COASTGUARD requirements state that all passengers remain on the main deck or below.  Two leaders are allowed up top to spot birds. 

CIGARETTES are allowed only at the back rail at the stern, and only if nobody complains. 

IF YOU SEE A BIRD OR MAMMAL you don’t recognize, call it out!  Call loudly.  A leader will immediately help with an I.D.  Not only will you learn, others around you will benefit.  If you spot what turns out to be a rare bird or mammal, the leader will radio the sighting to the bridge so it can be announced over the P.A. system and everybody on the boat benefits. 

BIRD LOCATIONS  We use the “clock” method of describing the location of birds.  The bow (front) of the boat is 12 o’clock.  The starboard (right) side of the boat is 3 o’clock.  The stern (back) of the boat is 6 o’clock, and so on.  We’ll also call out if the bird is low to the water, how distant it is, and the direction it’s flying.  The more you can incorporate this description into your sighting, the faster a leader will help you identify the bird.  For example:  “There’s a small dark bird on the water at 8 o’clock at about 100 yards!” will help everyone know where to look.  Or, “White bird at 4 o’clock flying right about 200 yards from the boat at the horizon!”