12 Hour Pelagic, 02/10/24

This past Saturday, I left my house just before 3 am to board American Princess Cruise’s Special 12 Hour Pelagic Bird and Wildlife Trip at 5:30 am. It was a long and tiring day, but I felt like it was very successful. We did very well with our target Alcid species, Atlantic Puffin, Razorbill, Dovekie, and Common Murre, getting good numbers of each. I’ve included an Excel sheet below, reflective of all the species we had as recorded in (16) eBird reports compiled by the trip leaders. I think it is pretty cool, because it tells the story of the day numerically, showing the birds observed closer to shore as we left in the morning, then the species found further out, and finally the birds closer to shore again, as we returned in the evening.

As for gulls, we did pretty well, with (6) species observed, but noticeably absent was Black-legged Kittiwake, which unfortunately was probably the expected species I most wanted to see.

~This was an absolutely beautiful bird. ICELAND GULL during the American Princess Cruise 12-HR Pelagic, 02/10/24.~

Two of the more exciting gull species, Iceland and Lesser Black-backed really put on a show an provided many photo ops. The Iceland was a beautiful first cycle bird, and it followed the boat for quite some time. We had (3) Lesser Black-backed Gulls – one 1st cycle, one 2nd cycle, and one non-adult that was more advanced than the 2nd cycle.

~Lesser Blackbacked Gull APC 12-HR Pelagic, 02/10/24.~
~It’s a BIG ocean. Bonaparte’s Gull, American Princess Cruise 12-HR Pelagic, 02/10/24.~
~This sharp looking Herring Gull wasn’t going to be outdone by the more rare gulls. American Princess Cruise 12-HR Pelagic, 02/10/24.~

As I’ve seen on other pelagic trips, we got fantastic looks and plenty of photo ops of Northern Gannets.

~Northern Gannet coming right at me. American Princess Cruise 12-HR Pelagic, 02/10/24.~
~Subadult Northern Gannet, American Princess Cruise 12-HR Pelagic, 02/10/24.~
~Northern Gannet, American Princess Cruise 12-HR Pelagic, 02/10/24.~

The Alcids are super exciting to see, but they are far less photogenic. It’s hard to believe how small a Dovekie actually is; the Audubon app lists the bird at 8″, but seeing them out in the ocean they barely seem that big – they are tiny! Ironically, in regards to photos, I did best with them of all the alcids.

It was an excellent, if exhausting trip. They do a great job at American Princes Cruises and I am looking forward to the next one.

~Dovekie cuteness, American Princess Cruise 12-HR Pelagic, 02/10/24.~
~Common Murre catching a wave, American Princess Cruise 12-HR Pelagic, 02/10/24.~
~It’s always good to see an Atlantic Puffin. American Princess Cruise 12-HR Pelagic, 02/10/24.~
~Cool guys. Razorbills were numerous, but I didn’t do very well with photos, mostly due to the timing – too early, too late, so not much light. American Princess Cruise 12-HR Pelagic, 02/10/24.~
~ICGU closeup, American Princess Cruise 12-HR Pelagic, 02/10/24.~
~Lesser Black-backed Gull, American Princess Cruise 12-HR Pelagic, 02/10/24.~
~Iceland Gull out in front of a couple of Herring Gulls, American Princess Cruise 12-HR Pelagic, 02/10/24.~
~LBBG, American Princess Cruise 12-HR Pelagic, 02/10/24.~
~I believe these are mostly Black Scoters. American Princess Cruise 12-HR Pelagic, 02/10/24.~
~ICGU, American Princess Cruise 12-HR Pelagic, 02/10/24.~
~NOGA, American Princess Cruise 12-HR Pelagic, 02/10/24.~
~The only mammals we saw all day – one of two Gray Seals, American Princess Cruise 12-HR Pelagic, 02/10/24.~
~Calling NOGA, American Princess Cruise 12-HR Pelagic, 02/10/24.~
~It’s not very often you get to see an ICELAND GULL this closely. American Princess Cruise 12-HR Pelagic, 02/10/24.~
~Northern Gannet,American Princess Cruise 12-HR Pelagic, 02/10/24.~
~I know, it’s ICGU overkill, but when will I get an opportunity like this again? Iceland Gull, American Princess Cruise 12-HR Pelagic, 02/10/24.~

10 thoughts on “12 Hour Pelagic, 02/10/24”

  3. Matt,
    Terrific photos. Wonderful variety. The Gray Seal stood out.
    I am certain it was well worth the hours and fatigue. Tom Lake

  5. I love the Northern Gannetts!! I doubt that I will ever do a pelagic, but I enjoy hearing about your pelagic experiences. The puffin was a surprise to me. Your photos are exceptional, as always.

    1. Thanks so much Miller! I love the NOGAs too – it’s so much fun to see and photograph them! Matt

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