Re: [MDOsprey] Speaking of Pelagics

MHoff36100@aol.com
Sun, 23 May 1999 09:12:32 EDT 

Fran --

In mid-June the offshore water is still very cold, so the air temperature is 
usually 5-10 degrees cooler offshore than on. The wind and spray add to this 
effect. If it was a warm day, I'd wear a pair of cotton pants (which dry 
quickly) and a rain suit. The rain suit servers as both a wind-breaker and 
helps keep you dry. You probably won't need a pair of light (cotton) 
long-underwear, but it you are really prone to getting cold (and if it is 
overcast), you could wear these as well. If you get hot, you can shed the 
rain suit (to get hot it will have to be sunny, and the this will dry you off 
if you get wet). It is very hard (if not impossible) to change pants in the 
tiny "head" of a head boat.

Take a good hat (for sun protection) and gloves. Your extremities are always 
the first thing to get cold. Good (waterproof) footwear is critical. I use 
knee-high boots with my pants tucked in. Can't stand wet feet! Some folks 
wear sneakers and just let them get wet and dry, but it doesn't sound like 
this should be your approach.

For your upper body, just wear multiple light layers that you can shed or add 
depending upon the circumstances. Top it with a waterproof jacket or parka.

Pelagics in mid-June would be Wilson's SP, Sooty, Greater and Cory's 
Shearwaters as the prime suspects. A little late for migrants, but Par. and 
Pom. Jaegers and Red-necked Phalarope possible. Rarities to look for include 
Manx Shearwater, Leach's Storm-Petrel, Arctic Tern, Sabine's Gull, etc. The 
only Black-capped Petrel I've ever seen in MD was in mid-June (14 June).

Good luck and calm seas,

Mark Hoffman
Mhoff36100@aol.com

In a message dated 5/22/99 4:43:09 PM Eastern Daylight Time, saunderf@ARI.Net 
writes:

> And, speaking of sea 
>  journeys...we will be taking a pelagic out of Lewis in mid-June. 
>  I've never been off the shore here at that time of the year.  Can 
>  anyone tell me what to expect in terms of weather...in 
>  particular, how cold it could get?   I am one of those people 
>  who must bundle up against the slightest chill and would like 
>  to be prepared.  Any other advice appreciated.  We have the 
>  species list from other trips at this time, but any comments as 
>  to what can be expected are also welcome.
>  
>  Fran