NAT U R E
When you think of heading out to the Gulf Stream, you usually think of fishing. But going offshore is also a way to take in some legendary birdwatching. BY STEVE HANF
Out See TO
At
first glance, it might seem like just “Most people don’t know that puffins are here another charter boat heading out offshore in the wintertime,” says Kate Sutherland, of Oregon Inlet loaded with visitors who has worked closely with Brian for more than 20 eager to land that trophy fish. years. “We have this really dynamic offshore ecosystem Study the scene a bit more closely, though, because we’re so close to deep water – and you just and it’s easy to spot the differences aboard the never know what you’re going to find out there.” Stormy Petrel II. Expensive cameras, high-powered Brian’s interest in birding first developed thanks binoculars and thick field guides fill the passengers’ to an aunt and uncle who got him started around the arms as they clamber aboard, not fishing poles, age of 12. Growing up in Central Virginia, he took to tackle boxes and coolers of beer. And as the trip gets the ocean in the 1980s after running out of interesting underway, their eyes are glued to the skies rather species found on land – initially heading to Virginia than the waves, seeking out life above the water Beach and then traveling farther south. rather than below it. Because pelagic birds migrate on a path along the The Stormy Petrel II is named after a bird for a Continental Shelf, Oregon Inlet is the perfect starting reason, after all. Over the years, this Outer Banks point for bird enthusiasts since it’s only 25 to 30 miles from gem has become one of the top seabirding vessels deep water instead of 60 or more in other areas. When for bird enthusiasts the world over, and it’s part of Brian started leading tours in Hatteras in 1995, he initially Great shearwaters congregate at sea near the Outer Banks (above). A white-tailed tropicbird soars (inset). Photos courtesy an enterprise that’s all run by Captain Brian Patteson chartered boats until he was able to get his own – the of Kate Sutherland. off Hatteras Island. Stormy Petrel – in 2005. A year later, he upgraded to the “You get to a point where you’ve seen about all Stormy Petrel II: a 61-footer with room for 25 passengers, the birds you can reasonably see onshore – so eventually, the only thing left is to go a full walk-around deck, a comfortable salon space and even two real bathrooms. looking for what we call pelagic birds – open-ocean seabirds – most of which don’t nest Kate was one of Brian’s early guests who never left. Also from Virginia, Kate within even a few 100 miles of the Outer Banks,” Brian explains. “You’re basically looking became interested in birding while earning an associate’s degree in natural resources at birds from all over the Atlantic Ocean.” management when a biology professor suggested checking out an offshore seabirding Some of the species may be vaguely familiar to the average person – including trip in Hatteras. varieties of petrels and gannets and shearwaters – while others, such as the great skua, That was in February 2000. are better known only to avid bird-watchers. “I went out on a trip [with Brian] and fell in love with the whole concept,” Kate But it may surprise many to know that puffins can also be spotted off the coast of recalls. “The idea that there are all these birds that spend their entire lives at sea was the Outer Banks. Yes – those puffins, the fan-favorites at zoos and aquariums. incredibly fascinating to me.” N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 23
