MD Osprey:

I'm no meteorologist, but the Labor Day weekend appears to have the 
potential to be a real boon for finding regional seabirds in the 
winds of Hurricane Ernesto ... especially considering that the waters 
of the Atlantic Ocean are at unseasonably high temperatures for 2,000 
miles to the east and it looks like east winds are going to blow 
strongly and for quite a while.

The predictions I am seeing show the hurricane become very wide and 
slowly moving off the Atlantic coast and the Chesapeake Bay bight, 
stalling off of Virginia Beach. If you can get out during or just 
after the storm, (safely), get to the coast, the Chesapeake Bay 
(especially the lower bay), and large lakes and reservoirs. Displaced 
seabirds tend to recover quickly, so you want to get out as soon as it's safe.

This week would be a good time to bone up on key field marks for 
similar species, so that you know what to look for should you find 
flying seabirds in your bins. Eliminating similar species is one of 
the key elements of good documentation.


Here are some species groupings to consider ...

Legend: If any are seen, * = most likely of the group; # - somewhat 
likely, @ - most unlikely


Black-capped (*), Fea's (@), and Herald Petrel (#)  [hypothetically 
add Zino's (@@@@) and Bermuda Petrel (@@) to that mix, too]

Cory's (*) and Greater Shearwater (*)

Sooty (*) and Short-tailed Shearwater (@@)  [good luck with that one 
- one east coast record of the later, I think !!!]

Manx (@) and Audubon's Shearwater (*)  [Little Shearwater is hypothetical only]

Wilson's (*), Leach's (#), Band-rumped (#), and White-faced (@) 
Storm-Petrel [OK, add European S-P (@@), too)

White (*) and Red-billed Tropicbird (@) (adult and immature)  [need 
to separate from Royal Tern]

Northern Gannet (*) and Brown Booby (@) [and juvies - need to 
eliminate Masked and even Red-footed Booby]

Pomarine (#), Parasitic (*), and Long-tailed Jaeger (@)  [adult and immature]

Great (@@) and South Polar Skua (*)  [OK, and Brown Skua (@@@@), too]

Sabine's Gull

Black (*) and White-winged Black Tern (#)

Elegant (@@) and Royal Tern (*)

Roseate (#), Common (*), and Arctic Tern (#)

Sooty (*) and Bridled Tern (#)  [both adults and juveniles]


Documentation is important; besides written reports, cameras, and 
especially video camcorders, are great for this!

The MD/DCRC Review List and guidelines and templates for 
documentation can be found on our web pages at the URL in my signature block.

If anyone wants to comment on my assessments (i.e., guesses) or has 
other suggestions to add, please jump in!!!

Find those birds ... but stay safe!

Phil


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Phil Davis, Secretary
MD/DC Records Committee
2549 Vale Court
Davidsonville, Maryland  21035     USA
301-261-0184
mailto:[log in to unmask]

MD/DCRC Web site:  http://www.MDBirds.org/mddcrc/rcindex.html
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