Maryland Pelagic

$265 per person

February 19, 2023

Photo by Paul Guris

Set sail with Hillstar Nature aboard the Morning Star out of Ocean City, MD in search of seabirds & cetaceans.

Winter excursions such as these focus on cold season specialties such as alcids, like Razorbill, Atlantic Puffin, Dovekie and murres. They vary in number and presence, but usually some constellation of these species can be found given decent conditions. Often Northern Gannets are common and close, making for good photo opps and it is a treat to hear them sounding off. Unusual gulls are possible, including Iceland, Glaucous, or even Little Gull, and Black-legged Kittiwake occurs regularly. There is always the outside chance at a mega-rarity, though we dare not speak their names. A cetacean or two are likely such as a Humpback or Fin whale, a pod of Common Dolphins, or some seals.

We will make every effort to see as much as we can. The seas offer challenges and rewards, remaining a great frontier still, and one never knows exactly what a day at sea will yield.

Nothern Fulmar (Atlantic blue morph) photo by Paul Guris

When/Where

  • 10-hour pelagic.

  • Passengers should be at the dock at 6am on February 19 for check-in and orientation, before we head out to sea at 6:30am. With limited daylight and many miles to cover, we cannot wait for late arrivals, so please be on-time. Usually we return to the dock ~4:30pm.

  • Weather date: February 19. Your registration constitutes an agreement to sail on the scheduled date or the weather date. We will confirm our departure as soon as possible prior to the scheduled date. Subscribe to the Hillstar Nature pelagics Telegram channel & monitor our socials for updates. If we cannot sail on either date, we will issue a refund.

Park by the dock at:  

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel 10 days or more prior to departure, you will be refunded your registration fee, minus a $10/person processing fee. You may instead opt for a credit towards a future Hillstar Nature trip. Credits issued for cancellations 10 days or more prior to departure are non-transferable.

If you cancel less than 10 days prior to departure, we do not issue refunds, unless you provide a replacement participant for your space/spaces (who is not already registered for the trip), or if we are able to fill the trip to capacity.

Hillstar Nature reserves the right to cancel a trip at any time. If Hillstar Nature cancels a pelagic trip, we offer a full refund, or (preferably) the option of a credit in the same amount paid towards a future Hillstar Nature trip. Cancellations are most likely due to weather though occasionally we cancel for another reason. Sometimes such a decision is not reached until the morning of the trip, as factors are discovered and assessed. We recommend you join the Hillstar Nature pelagics Telegram group (inquire with us to be added) for updates and breaking news surrounding our pelagics. Refunds usually are returned within 1 week from cancellation.

Courtesy

Courtesy is an important element of these trips. Please help each other out. Remember to check behind you (tall people especially) and try and allow everyone the space they need to see, photo and enjoy the wildlife. Be sure to communicate concerns with our staff. Our staff and leaders are watchful for team players and folks who are not, and Hillstar Nature reserves the right to refuse service to anyone who acts in a way detrimental to the experience we are aiming to deliver. 

Recommendations & Notes

No pets are allowed on board. These pelagic trips are best suited for adults or teenagers, but not for kids aged 12 or younger. Do not bring a spotting scope or tripod aboard as the boat’s motion renders them useless and they will only take up valuable space and get in the way. Bring your own food, but please do not overpack either. A daypack for your optics and gear, and another small or medium-sized bag/cooler/container for food should be adequate for each person.

Resources

A recommended book for seabird & pelagic enthusiasts is:

 Offshore Sea Life ID Guide: East Coast
by Steve N. G. Howell & Brian L. Sullivan

 eBird

Hillstar will have a designated leader keeping eBird lists for everyone onboard. We then share these lists within a few days of the end of the trip, using the email address you provide to us. In order to keep things clean and not over-complicate the ornithological record, we ask that you accept the lists that Hillstar Nature shares with you, and not keep your own independent lists.

Weather is a big variable that can help or hinder our efforts. Be sure to have good quality raingear and waterproof footwear and bring layers to add or remove to keep comfortable. Winter trips can be frigid, so a hat, glove and neck-warmer/buff, etc. are highly recommended for those. Summer trips can be hot with lots of exposure to sun, so be sure to have sunscreen, sunglasses and light layers to protect from sun exposure.

Fitness: Participants should be able-bodied enough to move about safely while aboard the ship including during seas that can at times be windy, choppy and rough. Generally speaking, participants are expected to be in reasonably good shape such that they have average or better arm/leg strength and decent balance for when seas rock the boat, such that one can keep their feet planted on deck. If you have questions about the fitness expected, please be in touch. Seas can be turbulent, and the boat may pitch and heave, so pelagic trips are not suitable for everyone.

Sea-sickness is a possibility for those prone to motion sickness, or even for the overtired. Good rest and solid breakfast can help stave off nausea, but of course there are no guarantees. Different remedies work for different people, but nothing works for everyone. Some folks recommend Dramamine, Bonine, or prescription Scopace. Bland foods that keep your stomach from moving around too much can help too. Packable, portable snacks that do not require preparation are best, especially if the boat is rocking, as you’ll need a hand (or two) free for keeping steady and secure. Ginger foods are often recommended to help fend off nausea as well. Best thing is to keep snacking throughout the day, such that your stomach always has a little food in it, keep outside in the fresh air, and keep your eyes on the horizon.

Tipping: Your fee includes a tip for the ship’s mate, but not for the birding leaders and spotters. Your leaders and spotters are present at their own expense, to assist participants in finding and seeing birds and other wildlife. If everyone chips in a little bit, that helps to insure we retain and attract good leaders on pelagics.

We value your feedback. If you are having an issue while onboard, it’s best if you tell us during that time, rather than after the fact. We are here to help, so please help us to provide the best experience possible.