How to Find a Pelagic Trip

Pelagic trips (aboard boats that go far offshore to find seabirds) are for hearty souls and dedicated birders, but they are a fine way to add many species to your life list that you could never see if you remained a landlubber. Here's how to find some of the most popular pelagics in North America.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Credit card
• Binoculars
• Field guide
• Calendar
• Computer with internet access

1. Log onto the American Birding Association Web site at www.americanbirding.org.

2. Click on Resources and then on Pelagic Trips.

3. Peruse the Directory of Pelagic Trips until you find one you would like to take.

4. Contact the trip organizer for details and cost. This can often be done via e-mail, saving you the expense of a phone call.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also search by entering "pelagic trips" into a search engine. Add a state or area if you want to be specific: "pelagic trips + Los Angeles."
• Sometimes trips are cancelled if the boat is not full. Your money should then be refunded.