Brookline Bird Club’s 7 Seas Whale Watch Trip Report, 2024

Photo: Black Guillemot, Johnny Owens

On a beautiful Saturday morning July 27, 46 club members and friends boarded the 7 Seas sailing vessel Privateer IV out of Gloucester Harbor on a whale watching and sea birding adventure!  We traveled along the coastline up into Ipswich Bay to Halfway Hump.  To our delight there were great looks at many birds, including 4 species of Shearwaters, and even a few species of mammals.  Photos were shared to the Brookline Bird Club Facebook page.  Here is a listing of what we saw:

What we saw – birds, whales and more!:

  • American Black Duck – 32
  • Common Eider – 13
  • Black Scoter – 1
  • Black Guillemont – 1
  • Laughing Gull – 1
  • Herring Gull – 300 (underestimate)
  • Great Black Backed Gull – 42
  • Common Tern – 18
  • Wilson’s Storm Petral – 6
  • Cory’s Shearwater – 14
  • Great Shearwater – 26
  • Sooty Shearwater – 1
  • Manx Shearwater – 3
  • Northern Gannet – 1
  • DC Cormorant – 500 (underestimate)
  • Little Blue Heron – 1
  • Great Egret – 21
  • Tree Swallow – 3
  • Great Blue Heron – 1
  • Humpback Whales – 2
  • Minke Whale – 1
  • Harbor Seal – 1
  • Atlantic White Dolphin – 30 (estimate)
  • Mola Mola – 2 (awesome looks right next to boat)
  • Harbor Porpoises – several small pods

ANNUAL REPORT 2023

The Brookline Bird Club (BBC) recorded 275 species for 2023, based upon 200 trips reported from Massachusetts, and those from out of state.  We recorded 267 species in Massachusetts, three more than 2022, with 8 [...]

ANNUAL REPORT 2023

The Brookline Bird Club (BBC) recorded 275 species for 2023, based upon 200 trips reported from Massachusetts, and those from out of state.  We recorded 267 species in Massachusetts, three more than 2022, with 8 [...]

ANNUAL REPORT 2023

The Brookline Bird Club (BBC) recorded 275 species for 2023, based upon 200 trips reported from Massachusetts, and those from out of state.  We recorded 267 species in Massachusetts, three more than 2022, with 8 [...]

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Upcoming Field Trips

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    Winthrop - DCR Winthrop Beach Reservation - Sturgis St 59 Winthrop Shore Drive, Winthrop, MA, United States

    Let's explore Winthrop Beach for gulls and other birds. We'll focus on gull ID, including identification of subadult gulls and possible unusual winter visitors.

  • Belle Isle Marsh and Vicinity

    East Boston - Belle Isle Parking Lot 1399 Bennington Street, Boston, MA, United States

    Led by DCR staff. We will search on foot up to one mile, on flat, easy terrain for snowy owls and other raptors, native sparrows, finches, waterfowl, and other birds. This is a traveling program by car or bike. Prepare for ticks. Ages: Adults and kids 8 years+ with adult chaperone. Binoculars recommended. ADA/Reasonable Accommodations [...]

  • Dunback Meadow, Lexington

    We will look for semi-hardy migrants and wintering birds including raptors. Fox Sparrow are often here at this time of year. Expect to walk about 3 miles on possibly muddy trails. Cosponsored with Menotomy Bird Club.

  • Neponset River Greenway, Mattapan to Milton (T accessible)

    Boston - Neponset River Greenway, Mattapan to Milton (T accessible) 1674 Blue Hill Avenue, Mattapan, MA, United States

    Enjoy an approximately 2-mile walk along the Neponset River Greenway on an accessible boardwalk and bike path. Let's see what we can find together! Beginners encouraged as well as more experienced birders. Limited mobility welcome but snow or ice may be present.

  • Belle Isle Marsh Reservation

    East Boston - Belle Isle Parking Lot 1399 Bennington Street, Boston, MA, United States

    Let's explore the East Boston side of Belle Isle Marsh in winter! We'll look for ducks, hawks, Bald Eagles, winter finches and many more birds! Belle Isle is a fantastic birding destination in any season. All of the trails are flat and easy, with a slight elevation on the small hill going through the meadow. [...]

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