Pelagic Birding in the Wilmington Canyon

On June 16, 2015, five of us went offshore fishing, and three of us being birders, enjoyed the pelagic birds,  most of which were attracted by the chum we put out. I began the trip taking the Cape May-Lewes ferry to NJ the evening before we left (first pic), and ended it taking the ferry back to Lewes (last 2 pics). And yes, we did catch some fish...10 Yellowfin Tuna.

If you have the desire to go pelagic birding, but do not care to fish, there are offshore trips dedicated to just birding. One experienced company that has trips going out of Lewes, is See Life Paulagics, run by Paul and Anita Guris.

 Lighthouse on outer breakwater at Lewes

 Long-tailed Jaeger

 Pomerine Jaeger

 Cory's Shearwater

 Great Shearwater

 Mike Fritz taking underwater video of Great Shearwaters diving for our chum

 Osprey on nest at Lewes ferry terminal

Baby Osprey in nest

Spring 2015 Osher Birding Class Check List

Our cumulative check list for all 6 class field trips was 116 species observed, and 2 more heard. Birds are only counted if at least one student observed the bird.

To view the check list as a pdf, click CLASS LIST.