Date: 6/5/25 4:51 pm From: Tom Benson via groups.io <thomasabenson...> Subject: [inlandcountybirds] SBVAS pelagic trip, August 30
San Bernardino Valley Audubon Society is sponsoring a 10-hour pelagic trip to the nearshore waters between Dana Pointand Catalina Island on Saturday, August 30, 2025. We will be departing fromDana Point aboard the R/V Sea Explorer at 7:00 AM and returning at 5:00 PM. Thisextended trip should allow us time to reach and spend some time at the northend of Thirty Mile Bank or the Catalina Escarpment after travelling throughOrange County waters. We have a reasonable probability of seeing the followingsought-after pelagic species on this trip: Black, Leach’s, Least, and AshyStorm-Petrels, Long-tailed Jaeger, Craveri's Murrelet, Sabine’s Gull, and ArcticTern. Additionally, it is a good time of year to find rarer species such as Black-footedAlbatross, Red-billed Tropicbird, South Polar Skua, Townsend's Storm-Petrel,and any number of boobies. The cost for the trip is $150 per person. To reserve a space on the trip, email me(see below) with your name and phone number, the number of spaces you want toreserve, and the names of those in your party.
TheSea Explorer is a 65-foot research vessel with plenty of standing room, benchseating on both the upper and lower decks, and an interior salon with limitedseating. There is no galley on board, so you should bring your own lunch forthis 10-hour excursion. Weather at sea is often cool relative to the mainland,and can be unpredictable. It is recommended that you dress in layers includinga light rain jacket for potential sea spray (or even rain). A hat, sunglasses,and sunscreen are also essential. Bring your binoculars and cameras, but leaveyour spotting scopes at home. There are a number of over-the-counterpreventative seasickness treatments available; consult with your doctor if youthink you will need them. They are most effective when taken before you get onthe boat; do not wait until you are sick. If you have any questions regardingthe trip, please contact Tom Benson: thomasabenson AT aol.com.
