These pre-conference field trips are special experiences custom-designed for these meetings by Dennis Paulson and the Local Committee. We hope we've provided enough diversity to pique your interest in at least one of the choices. We have tried to keep prices to a minimum to make them affordable for all. Registration is part of the Meetings registration form, and trips are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
PELAGIC
OVERNIGHT TRIP (August 12-13 or August 13-14)
10 Spaces Remaining on each day
Leaving Seattle at about 13:00, the group will arrive at the coast
in time to look for birds in the late afternoon. Dinner will be on
your own at the local restaurants. Rooms in nearby motels will be
reserved. Early the next morning, we will board a boat from Westport,
at the mouth of Grays Harbor on the outer coast, and spend much of
the day heading out to deep water 25-35 miles offshore, chumming for
pelagic birds in several locations, then coming back to port around
15:00 or 16:00. With a 3-4 hour drive back to Seattle (and depending
on if the group chooses a dinner stop on the return), participants
should expect to be back in Seattle no sooner than 19:00. Conditions
are unpredictable and could be anything from warm and still to cold
and windy.
| The birds featured are those of the harbor and nearshore, visible on the way out and back, and those of deep water over the continental slope and Grays Canyon; fewer species are seen in-between. The list of likely pelagic species is long and includes Black-footed Albatross, Northern Fulmar, several shearwaters and jaegers, Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel, Sabine's Gull, Arctic Tern, phalaropes, and alcids such as Cassin's Auklet. Marine mammals, both pinnipeds and cetaceans, are usually seen. |
 Black-footed Albatross |
Trip price is $175 double occupancy, $200 single occupancy. Please identify roommate for double occupancy on your registration form. Price includes: transportation to Westport, boat fees, motel room, snacks, boat lunch and breakfast; dinners are on your own. Each trip limited to 26 people, so please reserve a place early!