Pelagics
Birders are not only an intrepid lot; they also seem to need constant stimulation. Not content to see the birds inhabiting their (or anyone else’s) land, they must go to sea to see the seabirds too!
Opportunities exist onboard vessels that are not specifically for birdwatching. For example on cruise ships. Some cruises are specifically for nature lovers such as to the Antarctic to see the sights in general and whales, walruses etc as well as penguins and other birds. Some general cruises, such as around the Caribbean may employ naturalists that lead trips when the ships are in port, or show passengers the wildlife they encounter on the sea. Ferries and other normal sea traffic, while en route either to bird or just while travelling for work or pleasure… birders will take advantage of any opportunity to see birds.
Black-legged Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla
All photographs on this page courtesy of ©Dubi Shapiro
Whilst not exactly a pelagic, many birders will regularly seawatch particularly when stormy weather brings the birds in close to the shore. In many places there are groups who watch the seas virtually every day, from well-known seawatching headlands.
White-tailed Tropicbird Phaethon lepturus
A few are regular events such as the Scillonian pelagics off UK’s Cornish coast in search of Petrels or off South Yorkshire for Shearwaters and Skuas (Jaegers) or off the coasts in USA, Australia and New Zealand. Others are one-off trips advertised for those wanting pelagics such as off Broome (Australia). Even seabirds that nest in cliffs are often better viewed from the sea. Island sanctuaries often have regular boat trips around the island when access is restricted, such as during breeding season.
New Zealand Storm Petrel Fregetta maoriana
In other places such as Cape Town, California & New Zealand there are regular pelagics often combining whale-watching with the birds.
Below are some websites that pelagic birders should find of use… as always, the Fat Birder welcomes suggestions for other entries for this page.
Useful Reading
-
Far from Land: The Mysterious Lives of Seabirds
| By Michael Brooke| illustrated by Bruce Pearson | Princeton University Press | 2018 | Paperback | 256 Pages | 23 Colour & 28 Black & White Illustrations | 6 Maps | ISBN: 9780691174181 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
Flight Identification of European Seabirds
| By Anders Blomdahl, Bertil Breife & Niklas Holmstrom | Christopher Helm | 2007 | Paperback | ISBN: 9780713686166 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
Multimedia Identification Guide to North Atlantic Seabirds: Shearwaters: Jouanin's & White-Chinned Petrels
| By Bob Flood & Ashley Fisher | Scilly Pelagics | 2020 | Hardback | 439 pages, 550+ colour photos, 150+ colour illustrations, colour distribution maps | ISBN: 9780956886774 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
Ocean Birds of the World
| (A photo Guide) | By Steve N G Howell & Kirk Zufelt | Princeton University Press | 2019 | Paperback | 128 Pages | colour photos| ISBN: 9780691175010 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
Seabirds - The New Identification Guide
| By Peter Harrison, Martin Perrow & Hans Larsson | Lynx Edicions | 2021 | Hardback | 600 pages, 239 plates with 3800+ colour illustrations; colour distribution maps | ISBN: 9788416728411 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
Seabirds Count
| A Census of Breeding Seabirds in Britain and Ireland (2015–2021) | By Daisy Burnell et al | Lynx Edicions | 2023 | Hardback | 528 pages, colour photos, colour illustrations, colour distribution maps, colour tables | ISBN: 9788416728602 Buy this book from NHBS.com
Useful Information
-
Seabird Tracking Database - Tracking Ocean Wanderers
WebsiteA platform for seabird researchers to share their tracking data with the research and conservation communities.
Organisations
-
Audubon Seabird Institute
WebsiteCombining authoritative seabird science with policy and advocacy leadership, the Seabird Institute is a hub for global conservation action for seabirds. -
BTO Seabird Monitoring Programme
WebsiteThe Seabird Monitoring Programme monitors the population changes of our internationally important breeding seabird species at coastal and inland colonies across the UK. -
BirdLife's Marine Programme
WebsiteSeabirds are in peril, having declined by at least 70% over the last 50 years. Whether working onboard fishing vessels to introduce bird-friendly fishing techniques or pushing for the most important sites for seabirds to be protected, the BirdLife International Marine Programme is at the forefront of turning this dire situation around. -
Caribbean Seabird Working Group
WebsiteWe are a group of managers, researchers, conservationists, and educators working to help understand and protect populations of breeding and migratory seabirds that use the Caribbean. -
Pacific Seabird Group (PSG)
WebsiteThe Pacific Seabird Group (PSG) is a society of professional seabird researchers and managers dedicated to the study and conservation of seabirds. PSG was formed in 1972 out of a need for increased communication among academic and government seabird researchers. -
Royal Navy Birdwatching Society
WebsiteWebsite due for launch Feb 2004 - Secretary Commander Francis Ward francisward@btopenworld.com Francis Ward 16 Cutlers Lane, Stubbington FAREHAM, Hants PO14 2JN U.K. -
Southern Oceans Seabird Study Association
FacebookSOSSA is a wildlife conservation and research organisation. Its members are dedicated amateurs and professionals who share a common interest and concern for the marine environment and the wildlife of the Southern Oceans. SOSSA organises regular pelagic trips from Wollongong, NSW and Southport, QLD so both members and visitors can view some of the spectacular marine life that occurs off Australia's coast -
The Scottish Seabird Centre
WebsiteWe are a marine conservation and education charity with an award-winning visitor centre, in the beautiful coastal town of North Berwick. -
The Seabird Group
WebsiteThe Seabird Group, a registered charity, was founded in 1966 to promote and help coordinate the study and conservation of seabirds -
World Seabirds Union
Website
Forums & Mailing Lists
-
Pelagics. Seabirds birding worldwide
Facebook PageGroup by Gunnar Engblom
Guides & Tour Operators
-
Eagle-Eye Tours
Tour OperatorOn this adventure we offer a short but exciting opportunity to explore Canada’s wild West Coast. We begin in Vancouver and make our way by ferry to Tofino for a pelagic birding adventure out to the continental shelf. From here we’ll look back to the forested mountains and wild beaches of Clayoquot Sound and Vancouver Island. -
Oriole Birding
Tour OperatorOur famous Isles of Scilly Pelagic Weekend is a unique birding tour to the Scilly Isles in early autumn offering truly magnificent birding, spectacular scenery and a sense of adventure as we endeavour to savour some of the very best seabirding the UK has to offer.
Trip Reports
-
2016 [February] - Alan Tate - Buenos Aires to Los Angeles cruise
Report...So at the end of February we arrived in Buenos Aires, the day before our huge cruise liner was due to sail. A quick look at Costanera reserve was in order, but sadly "progress" has reared it's ugly head in the ten years since our previous visit. Most of the same species are still there, but the trails have been widened, the marsh area is much more vegetated and difficult to view. Whilst this is obviously better for birds the trails are now in use to a large extent by joggers and cyclists, so many birds are now staying hidden that used to be easily viewed. However, it's still worth a visit if you've never been before.... -
2018 [09 September] - Bar Harbor Maine
ReportOn Saturday, September 15, we ran our annual pelagic trip out of Bar Harbor. The weather and sea conditions in the Gulf of Maine during the fall can always be a challenge, and we were especially cautious this year with Hurricanes Florence and Helene throwing waves our way. Fortunately, Saturday provided one of the perfect windows between any swells and the birds (and mammals) cooperated! -
2019 [05 May] - Buena Vista Audubon
ReportThe first Buena Vista Audubon pelagic birding trip of 2019 departed Sunday on the Grande under cloudy skies, with a relatively light swell and a nice northwesterly breeze – near ideal conditions, particularly for finding alcids, and we found plenty. The highlight for many participants was the excellent views of Scripps’s Murrelets throughout the day, including a pair with two chicks. Although the timing of nesting varies from year to year, probably relating in part to resource availability, this is a fairly early date for fledglings. -
2022 [09 September] - Birdbanter
Report2022 5-Day Searcher Pelagic Trip Report from San Diego, CA to Deep Offshore Waters -
2023 [10 October] - Dane McDermott
ReportWe left and began our journey out west in some dense fog. Despite the conditions, we found many Common Murre and Rhinoceros Auklets. Pink-footed Shearwaters were the flavor of the day over the Monterey submarine canyon, -
2024 [05 May] - Mark Beaman
PDF ReportOur 2024 tour to the Cape Verde Islands ended up turning up a lot of good birds, but it was certainly ‘interesting times’ as the Chinese would put it, as the domestic airline went bust just before we arrived! Internal flights in the islands have always been problematic, with frequent late schedule changes and sometimes cancellations, but this year was certainly even more tricky than usual! -
2025 [09 September - Noyo Pelagics
ReportTwenty to 25 participants went out with captain Richard Thornton of Anchor Charters and Noyo Pelagics for two half day trips (Sep 5 and 8) and a full-day trip (Sep 7). These trips represented yet another example of, when it comes to pelagic trips, what a difference a day makes! -
2025 [12 December] - Cape Town Pelagics
ReportTrip Highlights: Three species of albatross, Southern Giant Petrel, Parasitic Jaeger, Sabine’s Gull
Other Links
-
Natural Born Birder - Offshore
WebsiteSort of static pelagic! -
Pelagic - Australia - Sydney Pelagics & Nature Watching Tours
WebsiteThese tours are run by the Sydney Pelagic Group Cooperative comprising four local birders who are keen to keep these pelagics operating, and will continue to run as long as the support of the local and overseas birding fraternity continues. -
Pelagic - Canada - BC - The Whale Centre
WebsiteEmbark on an exhilarating adventure with our Pelagic Bird Watching Tour, tailor-made for seasoned bird enthusiasts. Departing bright and early, this six-hour voyage takes you 25 km offshore to the breathtaking Clayoquot Canyon aboard our 30 ft Boston Whaler, the Big White, led by experienced guide John Forde. -
Pelagic - Costa Rica - Drake Bay Birdwatching
WebsiteOnce the group is on board we will navigate for 2 hours straight to the pelagic zone by using the GPS system and following currents... -
Pelagic - Madeira Wind Birds
WebsiteThree afternoons at sea chumming to ID and photograph Zino's, Fea's and Bulwer's Petrels, White-faced, Madeiran and other Storm-petrels. The ultimate Western Palearctic pelagic trip! -
Pelagic - Mexico - Huatulco - Tierra de Aves
Website5 to 12 hours birding trip from 1 to 10 people In search of pelagic birds, difficult to see from the coast, it is an excellent opportunity to get close to tropical pelagic birds. Join us on a thrilling 5-hour journey departing from the stunning shores of Huatulco, -
Pelagic - NZ - Tutukaka - The Petrel Station
WebsiteOne of the world's best full day pelagic seabird tours. Known for an incredible diversity of stunning seabirds (69 species so far) these birding tours offer a very unique and memorable New Zealand birdwatching experience. Departs Tutukaka, Northland... -
Pelagic - NZ - Wrybill Birding Tours
WebsiteWant a top notch birding trip from a New Zealand port? Check out the options below and email us at info@wrybill-tours.com to reserve your place now. -
Pelagic - New Zealand - Fullers - Tiritiri Matangi Boat Trips
WebsiteTiritiri Matangi Island is a stunning wildlife sanctuary for New Zealand’s native birds, and an important conservation project. From the moment you step onto the island to the moment you leave, you’ll be serenaded by birdsong. -
Pelagic - New Zealand - Monarch Wildlife Cruises
WebsitePassengers board the Monarch to see what cannot be seen from land, to greet the mighty Northern Royal Albatross as it sweeps in from the open Pacific Ocean and soars above the spectacular inaccessible cliffs of Taiaroa. These escarpments are alive with eight other species of birds nesting above families of Fur Seals. Close offshore, huge flocks of Sooty Shearwaters feed among other Shearwaters, Petrels and other species of Albatross. -
Pelagic - Peru - Paracas - Kolibri Expeditions
WebsitePeru boasts an impressive number of sea birds species and decent number of marine mammal species. The current list of birds stands at 69 species of birds and cetaceans 33. Kolibri Expeditions, with +20 years of pelagic birding experience, invites you to join us on one of our specialized pelagic birding and/or whale spotting expeditions. -
Pelagic - South Africa - Cape Town - Birding Ecotours
WebsitePelagic Birding is a rather specific ‘art’ or aspect of birding, and it basically refers to an ocean-going trip taken on a boat in search of true ocean-going species, such as albatrosses, petrels, shearwaters, storm petrels, etc. -
Pelagic - South Africa - Capetown Pelagics
WebsiteThe aim of CapeTownPelagics.com is to promote sustainable ecotourism, not only by providing a wealth of seabird information and a facility to book a place on any pelagic trip off South Africa, but to put all the proceeds back into conservation. There is no extra charge involved in booking through this site, and all commissions earned from bookings and charters made through this site are donated to seabird research and conservation. Some donations in the past went to Wandering and Grey-headed Albatross satellite-tracking research at the Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology at the University of Cape Town, and BirdLife International's Seabird Conservation Programme -
Pelagic - South Africa - Zest for Birds
WebsiteWant to see albatrosses, petrels, shearwaters, etc.? Join us for what many consider to be the highlight of their South African birding itinerary. We operate a regular schedule of pelagic trips into the Cape Town offshore waters that are accompanied by the most experienced seabird experts in the country. -
Pelagic - Spain - Andalucia - Birding the Strait
WebsiteBirding The Strait organizes pelagic trips in the Strait of Gibraltar and the Gulf of Cadiz. We regularly arrange scheduled trips from Tarifa and Chipiona -
Pelagic - UK - Devon _ Brixcham - Kellys Hero Charters
WebsiteSunday morning trips from Dolphins to Porpoise, Shearwaters to Skua, you’re never quite sure what you will see on our Wildlife trips. -
Pelagic - UK - Falmouth - Naturetrek
WebsiteA 7-hour adventure into the English Channel, aboard a state-of-the-art catamaran, in search of a variety of sought-after seabirds, cetaceans and other marine-life. -
Pelagic - UK - Scillonian Pelagic Trips
WebsiteWarmed by the Gulf Stream, buffeted by the Atlantic, relying on sea and air links with the mainland, the unique Isles of Scilly are a world apart. Populated by a friendly community of just over 2000 islanders, sub-tropical Scilly has tranquillity and a quality of life long lost to less isolated places. Exotic plants and wild flowers, ancient cairns and crumbling castles, sparkling white sands by an azure sea - all just 28 miles from Land -
Pelagic - UK - Scilly - Scilly Pelagics
WebsiteWelcome to Scilly Pelagics: pelagic trips operating out of St. Mary’s, Isles of Scilly. You'll find information about our pelagic trips and our studies of seabirds observed off Scilly and across the world. You can book pelagics and purchase our multimedia guides and clothing. -
Pelagic - UK - Scotland - Hebridean Whale Cruises
WebsiteWelcome to Hebridean Whale Cruises. We operate whale watching and wildlife cruises from Gairloch, on Scotland's spectacular north west coast, and from Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis. -
Pelagic - UK - Wales - Thousand Islands Expeditions
WebsiteThe Celtic Deep, located off the coast of Pembrokeshire, is an area within the Celtic Sea. With depths of up to 100 metres, these waters are full of nutrients, creating ideal habitats for a diverse range of bird and marine life. -
Pelagic - UK _ Northumberland - Northern Experience Pel;agics
WebsiteNorthern Experience Pelagics developed out of Martin's time as Field Trips Officer for the Northumberland and Tyneside Bird Club, and we've been carrying out research into the distribution and abundance of White-beaked Dolphins and other marine wildlife in the North Sea since 2003, when we first encountered these beautiful animals on an evening pelagic out of the River Tyne. -
Pelagic - UK _ Wales - West Coast Birdwatching
WebsiteSince 2021 I have organised pelagic (offshore) boat trips off the coast of Pembrokeshire, out into the Celtic Deep, in search of passage and scarce seabirds. -
Pelagic - US - California - Monterey Seabirds
WebsiteMonterey Seabirds features year-round pelagic trips enabling you to experience the seabirds of the Monterey Bay in their respective seasons... -
Pelagic - US - California - Searcher Offshore birding
WebsiteSearcher Natural History Tours offers some exciting options for those eager to bird the offshore waters of Southern California on multi-day trips from San Diego… -
Pelagic - US - Texas Pelagics
WebsiteDedicated exclusively to Seabirding in Texas. TexasPelagics.com is dedicated to promoting public pelagic birding trips and advancing the knowledge of pelagic birds in the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico off the Texas Coast. TexasPelagics.com is a free, non-profit service to the birding community and has no financial interest in promoting Pelagic birding -
Pelagic - USA - California - Monterey Seabirds
WebsiteMonterey Seabirds features year-round pelagic trips enabling you to experience the seabirds of the Monterey Bay in their respective seasons. Just offshore of Monterey, California lies a 6000-foot deep submarine canyon running right down the middle of the Monterey Bay. Similar in size to the Grand Canyon of the American Southwest, this geologic feature creates cold-water upwellings, rich in nutrients that foster a remarkable diversity of seabirds and cetaceans. The combination of these elements within a semi-protected bay makes Monterey a worldwide destination for pelagic birding. Just a few miles from shore one can observe pelagic seabirds that travel across both the hemisphere and the ocean to feed in these bountiful waters. -
Tides - UK - Admiralty Easy Tide
WebsiteFind tides for a week...
Blogs
-
Pelagic Birder
BLOGLast Updated 2019 - Pelagic birding work voyages/local patch & occasional twitch birding news