Cost: $100 per person for BBC members/$120 per person for nonmembers (payment link will appear after you submit this form).

**IMPORTANT: EACH PERSON IN YOUR PARTY MUST SUBMIT THIS REGISTRATION FORM SEPARATELY**

***If you registered for the 11/18 trip and asked us to carry over your registration please DO NOT fill out this form. Your spot is already reserved.***

When/where: Saturday, December 2, 2023 pelagic trip on the Helen H leaves from Hyannis, Massachusetts at 7:00 a.m. We plan to return to Hyannis around 4:00 p.m.

Cancellations: Due to weather conditions, the captain of the Helen H sometimes cancels the trip if the sea conditions are too rough. We will keep you informed as soon as we know about the status of the trip. The captain will typically make a decision about weather once the marine forecast becomes available – Tuesday/Wednesday before the trip, but it can be cancelled even later than that.

If you can’t make the trip, please let us know. If there is someone on the waiting list who can take your place, we can issue you a refund, but otherwise you will be charged.

What should I bring: Since the weather varies greatly from trip to trip, bring an assortment of rain and warm clothes; sunglasses, sunscreen, and hat; water and snacks; anti-nausea pills; and cameras and binoculars.

The boat: The Helen H, a 100 foot aluminum deep sea fishing boat powered by a fast 2700 Horsepower engine, is a Coast Guard approved deep sea fishing boat. The cabin has several fixed tables and benches, while the deck and sides have many long benches. Between the bow, deck and sides, there are many places to view birds. There are two toilets on the boat.

The birds: Every trip is different, and early December can offer a range of species. Often there are spectacular congregations of sea ducks in Nantucket Sound – tens of thousands are possible. It is a real wildlife spectacle. Winter gulls may be around (Iceland, Glaucous, Lesser Black-backed, Black-legged Kittiwake), as may Northern Gannets and Northern Fulmar. As we get to the Nantucket Shoals, a shallow, sandy-bottomed area southeast of Nantucket, there should be lingering shearwaters (Manx, Great, Cory’s, Sooty) and storm-petrels (Wilson’s and Leach’s) with the possibility of jaegers (Parasitic, Pomerine) or even a skua. Alcids are tough but possible, depending on the year. There are opportunities to see a number of other sea creatures as well – whales, dolphins, sharks, turtles, Mola-mola, Tuna, and Portuguese Man o’ War.

**If you run into any issues or have any questions please email bbcpelagics@gmail.com and we will be able to assist you!**

Member Webinar September 16: Birds at Rest: The Behavior and Ecology of Avian Sleep with Roger Pasquier

Member Webinar September 16: Birds at Rest: The Behavior and Ecology of Avian Sleep with Roger Pasquier Everybody enjoys watching birds during the daytime, but what do they do at night, when they seem to [...]

Member Webinar September 16: Birds at Rest: The Behavior and Ecology of Avian Sleep with Roger Pasquier

Member Webinar September 16: Birds at Rest: The Behavior and Ecology of Avian Sleep with Roger Pasquier Everybody enjoys watching birds during the daytime, but what do they do at night, when they seem to [...]

Member Webinar September 16: Birds at Rest: The Behavior and Ecology of Avian Sleep with Roger Pasquier

Member Webinar September 16: Birds at Rest: The Behavior and Ecology of Avian Sleep with Roger Pasquier Everybody enjoys watching birds during the daytime, but what do they do at night, when they seem to [...]

News Categories

Upcoming Field Trips

  • Winthrop Beach, Gull Focus

    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. [...]

Go to Top