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Cory's Shearwater Cory's Shearwaters were seen each of the 19 days. Most were the "Atlantic" type pictured here, note the absence of white in the underprimaries and compare to the individual pictured below.
Cory's Shearwater This individual is one of the "Mediterranean" or nominate birds ("Scopoli's"). Many times without a good, definitive photo like this, it can be difficult to separate them in the field.
Greater Shearwater Greater Shearwaters began to show up towards the end of our 19 day set. Almost all of our spring Greaters are younger birds like this one. This photo shows nicely the dark cap and mottled underwings typical of the species. Sometimes the dark belly patch is difficult to see in the field.
Sooty Shearwater We saw the most Sooty Shearwaters on our first day out, May 20. Their numbers gradually declined as most of these birds moved to the north.
Sooty Shearwater Typically all of the Sooties we see are first year birds, but on June 6 this molting, second year bird came up the slick behind the boat.
Manx Shearwater June 6, 2009 Manx Shearwater was not seen on every trip, but we did have some excellent views of this sometimes elusive species. May 21 we saw seven near shore with some Sooty Shearwaters, as they sat on the water and allowed us to approach quite closely! This one pictured above we found in the Gulf Stream with a flock of shearwaters.
Audubon's Shearwater June 1, 2009 Some days it was difficult to get a good look at an Audubon's, they were really on the move. Other days, like this one, they were more cooperative.
Audubon's Shearwaters June 6, 2009 The Audubon's pictured here are feeding in the Sargassum that is host to their prey.
Cory's, Sooty, and Audubon's Shearwaters June 6, 2009 A few days we spotted flocks of shearwaters feeding, always a rewarding find! Most consisted of the shearwaters pictured here with some Wilson's Storm-Petrels, but sometimes Black-capped Petrels and Band-rumped and Leach's Storm-Petrels were present as well when we were farther offshore.