Pelagic Species

Last updated 7/25/96
Texas has its fair share of pelagic bird species, but the Gulf of Mexico has barely been explored by birders. Dwight Peake and Mark Elwonger have pioneered regular birding trips into the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico beyond the 100 fathom line. Check the schedule on the main page for upcoming trips or contact Dwight Peake

(the following text is a summary of the 1996 Pelagic Season to date by Dwight Peake)

Status of the Northwest Gulf Pelagic Seabirds during the May to September Port O'Conner Pelagic Season

Species which are seen on most Port O'Connor pelagic trips during this period are: The Storm-Petrels are most common from May through August and become scarce by September. Cory's Shearwater is more common in August and September.

The Port O'Connor pelagic trips list of pelagic seabirds also includes:

The Greater and Sooty Shearwaters can occur on any trip. The Pomarine Jaeger is most likely May and early June and September trips.

What else is possible? Almost anything! Texas has two records for Yellow-nosed Albatross and even a record for White-chinned Petrel. The PO'C trips are overdue for either tropicbird ( a Red-billed Tropicbird was seen on a Venice, LA trip on June 9, 1996). The Wilson's Storm Petrel is a mystery since it is common near the mouth of the Mississippi River but is difficult to find in Texas. South Polar Skua may be one of the most likely pelagic rarities. Brown Booby, Red-footed Booby, Red Phalarope, Long-tailed Jaeger, Roseate Tern, Brown Noddy,and perhaps Black Noddy are all species that one may expect if the Port O'Connor pelagic trips continue.

Marine mammals are regularly seen on the Port O'Connor trips also. Species sighted include:

Other possible species include Striped , Spinner and, Rough-toothed dolphin, Risso's Dolphin (Grampus), Fraser's Dolphin, Melonheaded Whale, Short-finned Pilot Whale, Dwarf Sperm Whale, Beaked Whale, and others.

Whale Shark is seen on most trips.

Dwight Peake

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