[NatureNS] Report from Tom Kavanaugh re: Canso pelagic tip

Date: Tue, 23 Sep 2008 07:54:21 -0300
To: naturens@chebucto.ns.ca
From: Blake Maybank <maybank@ns.sympatico.ca>
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The following is a report from Tom Kavanaugh regarding the Canso pelagic trip.

Tom provided me the following information to forward to the NS-RBA 
and NatureNS.

There were seven participants on the Canso pelagic trip on 20 
September.  The vessel was on the water from about 0700 to 1430, 
though never more than three or four miles from shore.   Most 
activity occurred early in the trip, just about a mile from Canso Harbour.

Here were the pelagic highlights, in taxonomic order:

- one Greater Shearwater

- one Leach's Storm-Petrel

- lots of Northern Gannets, actively feeding.

- thirty or so phalaropes, both Red-necked and Red.

- small numbers of Black-legged Kittiwakes

- an immature Sabine's Gull.  This bird was first identified by 
Clarence Stevens, Jr..  Tom only saw the bird as it was flying away, 
and though he believes the bird was accurately identified he stated 
that he did not see enough details on the bird to feel comfortable to 
count it on his own life list.  He noted that the bird was noticeably 
smaller than a nearby Black-legged Kittiwake, and had a very 
different flight style.  No photographs were obtained.  This is a 
very rare bird for Nova Scotia, especially in near-shore waters (most 
sightings are from offshore, especially near Sable Island), so 
written documentation from Clarence (as the first observer of the 
Sabine's Gull) would be welcome, as well as from anyone else on board 
who saw the bird well.

- numerous jaegers.  Tom stated that there were 21 sightings of 
jaegers, but given the possibility of repeat sightings of specific 
individuals, there were a minimum of 12-15 birds, of which two were 
Parasitic Jaegers, and the rest Pomarine.  Most were immature birds, 
though a few adults were present.

Tom says they are considering another trip out of Canso sometime in 
October, and invites anyone interested in being kept apprised of the 
details of this trip to contact him at 902-366-3476.  It is better to 
phone him than sending an e-mail, as he says he is "way behind on my e-mails".

Good birding,

Blake Maybank


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blake Maybank
maybank@ns.sympatico.ca

Editor, "Nova Scotia Birds"

author, "Birding Sites of Nova Scotia"
http://maybank.tripod.com/BSNS.htm

White's Lake, Nova Scotia, Canada 

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