Stellwagen Bank Pelagic Trip Report
On October 24 the BBC sponsored a pelagic birding trip from Gloucester to Stellwagen Bank aboard a chartered boat provided by Seven Seas Whale Watch. The trip was a smashing success! I’ll let one of our spotters, Max Chalfin-Jacobs, fill us in:
On a brisk but sunny October morning, the Privateer IV left the 7 Seas Whale Watch dock within the calm Gloucester Harbor. With guidance from Captain Jay Fronteiro, we decided to head south for Stellwagen Bank rather than north for Jeffrey’s Ledge, in hopes of encountering larger congregations of seabirds after reported scarcity on Jeffrey’s Ledge.
This turned out to be an excellent decision, as birders on board were treated to exceptional looks at exciting feeding flocks containing 100s of gannets and dolphins, dozens of shearwaters, interrupted only by a few daring Pomarine Jaegers. On the return trip to Gloucester we encountered a lone Northern Fulmar, a species we were worried would be challenging farther south, and definitely a highlight of the trip. There was also the occasional buzz when a migrating passerine would zip past the boat, including a Dark-eyed Junco that followed us for 30 minutes, and a brief appearance from a Yellow-rumped Warbler. Other marine wildlife included 100+ Atlantic White-sided Dolphin, 10 Common Dolphin, and 30 Harbor Porpoise.
View the eBird trip report here.
Many thanks to our spotters Max Chalfin-Jacobs and Steve Mirick and to Captain Jay and the crew at Seven Seas, both at sea and at the dock.
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December 6 All Day Pelagic from Hyannis On Saturday, December 6, 2025 pelagic trip the BBC wuill sponsor a full day pelagic from Hyannis to Nantucket Shoals aboard the Helen H. We will leave the [...]
Stellwagen Bank Pelagic Trip Report
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December 6 All Day Pelagic from Hyannis
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Stellwagen Bank Pelagic Trip Report
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October Big Day Report
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Webinar with Sophie Osborn - Feather Trails: A Journey of Discovery Among Endangered Birds Please join the BBC on the evening of January 27 from 7PM to 8:30PM for a member only webinar with author [...]
Thank You Bob Mayer!
Thank You Bob Mayer! For more than 20 years Bob Mayer, a lifetime member of the BBC, has led field trips at Arnold Arboretum and nearby locations. Bob let us know that he is going [...]
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Successful Gull Walk at Revere Beach On Saturday November 15 the BBC sponsored a very successful gull-focused walk at Revere Beach. 35 birders showed up to learn about plumages, molts, and cycles. Led by Soheil [...]
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Upcoming Field Trips
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Belle Isle Marsh and Vicinity
East Boston - Belle Isle Parking Lot 1399 Bennington Street, Boston, MA, United StatesLed 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. [ADAlogo]ADA/Reasonable Accommodations [...]
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Early Birders @ Chestnut Hill Reservoir, Boston
Chestnut Hill Reservoir 2420 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, United StatesJoin fellow birders in their 20s-30s as we visit Chestnut Hill Reservoir for a low-key bird outing before the new year! Located on the outskirts of Boston next to Boston University, Chestnut Hill Reservoir is a former water supply distribution reservoir that is a hot spot for waterfowl activity & other residents. Expect to walk [...]
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Race Point Beach
Provincetown - Race Point BeachLet’s start the year with some awesome birds! We will bird from the beach close to the parking lot. We may walk the beach depending on participants interest. Several species of alcids are possible as well as gannets, Iceland and Glaucous Gulls and three loon species. Dress for cold windy weather. We may try other [...]
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New Year’s Day Birding — Newburyport and Vicinity
Newburyport - Cashman Park 68 Sally Snyder Way, Newburyport, MA, United StatesJoin us on our annual New Year’s Day birding trip! We may also venture on to Cape Ann. In case of inclement weather check with leader night before trip. Note that an entrance fee or pass is required to visit Parker River NWR.
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Belle Isle Marsh and Vicinity
East Boston - Belle Isle Parking Lot 1399 Bennington Street, Boston, MA, United StatesLed 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 [...]