This fall, jump aboard the Irish Drifter with guides Jen Brumfield, Gabe Leidy and Jerry Talkington for FOUR exciting opportunities to discover offshore “seabirds” as they migrate along the Lake Erie coastline. We’ve strategically designed these boat trips to cover an exceptionally productive area on the shallow Central Basin during peak rarity season (August through October). Join us on four rare adventures, and learn in detail how to find & identify the specialty birds that visit our north coast. Long-tailed and Parasitic Jaegers, and Sabine’s Gull are targeted this year, with an August trip and multiple trips in September!
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ITINERARY | Vermilion, Huron, Lorain
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We’ll leave port in Vermilion and promptly head northwest offshore Vermilion and Huron to appreciate the congregations of waterfowl and gulls that stage between 3 and 10 miles offshore. Amidst the masses of gulls, we’ll be on the lookout for jaegers, which are attracted to the reeling flocks of gulls that come into the “chum” (fish) from the boat. From Huron, we’ll backtrack to the east. Weather dependent, we’ll head out onto the lake upwards of 14 miles offshore as we work our way east, working offshore Lorain. Jaegers are primary target birds on all tours. These fierce, powerful, falcon-like relatives of gulls are regular migrants on Erie, but are uncommonly seen by birders on shore. All told, we’ll cover 40+ miles by making an oval-shaped route offshore Vermilion to Huron, Huron to Lorain, and Lorain back to Vermilion.
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FOCUS | Target species
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This is a phenomenal opportunity to go offshore Ohio’s Central Basin in search of special fall rarities: migrant jaegers, gulls, waterfowl and more. All tours are strategically scheduled to fall within a particular window of time when highly-sought species are on the move, heading towards their wintering grounds. KEY TARGET BIRDS include: Parasitic and Long-tailed Jaegers, Sabine’s Gull.
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The goal of the trips is two-fold: chase and discover rarities and also, get to grips with identifying waterbirds in flight. Participants will pick up key tips on where and how to look for and find specialty birds. We’ll be “chumming” (a mix of popcorn, fish and meat scraps, etc.) off the stern (rear of the boat), to attract groups of gulls.
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Three juvenile Sabine’s Gulls resting in Lake Erie waters, 8 miles offshore Vermilion. Photo by Jen Brumfield, taken on September 23rd, 2012 LPB pelagic.
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Juvenile Sabine’s Gull offering point-blank views for 20 minutes. 8 miles offshore Vermilion. Photo by Jen Brumfield, taken on September 23rd, 2012 LPB pelagic.
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A Parasitic Jaeger high-tails it up the wake of the boat, pumping towards and scattering the gull flocks. A Bonaparte’s Gull in the foreground clears out as fast as possible. Photo by Laura Keene, taken on a 2011 Local Patch pelagic.
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2013 PELAGICS
4 tours offered this Fall
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AUGUST 25th
We are running an August trip this year to increase our chances of scoring Long-tailed Jaeger and Sabine’s Gull offshore Lorain and Huron. While species diversity will be lower then September and October, an August trip falls within the prime window for finding this exceptionally rare jaeger.
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SEPTEMBER 1st, 8th, 15th
Goal birds: Parasitic and Long-tailed Jaegers, Sabine’s Gull.
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TIME | LOCATION | ADDRESS
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ALL BOAT TRIPS depart Vermilion at 8 a.m. sharp. We’ll be on the water from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (7 hours) dock-to-dock. All participants are required to arrive **at least 20 minutes before departure** for loading, orientation and preparation.
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MAXIMUM PARTICIPANTS | COST
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Limited to 22 participants for comfort, opportunity to see birds, and a more intense experience with your guides.
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Full fee for each pelagic is $85.00 per person: includes 7-hour boat ride, guides, small lunch, snacks, drinks, and captain’s gratuity.
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HOW TO REGISTER
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To register, call or email Jen with your contact information, including: name, home address, email address, and phone number.
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PHONE : 330-701-6452
EMAIL: localpatchbirding@hotmail.com
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BE SURE TO CLEARLY STATE WHICH TOUR(s) you are registering for and for how many persons. When you are registered, you’ll receive full details on these trips, including itinerary, tips and recommended reading, directions, cancellation statements, waiver form, and more.
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**FULL PAYMENT is due immediately to reserve your spot on the boat.** Payment can be received as CHECK or cash only. Please make checks out to Jen Brumfield, and send to the following address:
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Jen Brumfield, 9829 Lake Avenue, Apartment 410, Cleveland, Ohio 44102
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REFUNDS CANNOT BE MADE UNLESS you cancel exactly one month before your scheduled tour. HOWEVER, if the boat trip is cancelled at the decision of the captain at the dock, due to WEATHER, you will receive a full refund after the trip date that you’ve registered for (sent by check). See full cancellation policies and statement below.
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SEE CANCELLATION / LIABILITY AND FORMS BELOW
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IRISH DRIFTER photos
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View of the starboard (right side) of the Irish Drifter, and bow (front). Any participants that desire can, at any time, bird from the bow (front) or stern (rear) of the boat.
View of the bow (front) and port (left side) of the Irish Drifter
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Standing behind captain’s loft, looking towards the stern (rear of boat)
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View of the stern (rear), with interior seating leading toward the captain’s loft and single restroom (head)
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WHAT TO BRING | WEATHER
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The weather along Ohio’s lakefront in the fall can be ever-changing. Typically, in late August, weather is still mild, with 80 degree days, but it can be quite cool in the morning, and being on the lakeshore or on the lake proper can see 60 degree days. September brings NW winds and temperatures can drop into the 50’s. Northwest winds push colder air across the lakefront, where temps can feel very “wintry.” Even if it’s 60 degrees inland, expect the lakefront to be quite cooler. It’s very wise to dress in layers. We recommend bringing LIGHT WINTER WEATHER GEAR. There will be some kick-spray from the boat, so a light layer of waterproof gear is recommended as well. A wind-breaker shell underneath a winter jacket/coat, warm pants (no jeans, no khakis), warm hat and gloves, scarf, and heavy boots are advised. KEEP UPDATED on current weather conditions leading up to the trip day. If weather looks to be mild and warm, dress appropriately but bring layers in case of changes in weather.
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BRING: binoculars, binocular wipes/towel (for water spray), camera, personal medications, seasickness medications (although these should be taken ahead of time), any special dietary-requirement snacks/foods or additional food items that you would like during the day, your personal field guide(s).
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CANCELLATION | LIABILITY
Participant cancellation: Cancellations must be received by JULY 31st in order to receive a full refund.
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Cancellation due to weather or any other reason is entirely at the discretion of the Captains of each boat. Cancellation notices and weather warnings will be available on this web page and via email blasts. All participants should check this web site and/or their email the evening before a trip to confirm that the boat is sailing. Remember, it is possible that the trip could be cancelled at the dock. There are no guarantees that we will sail. UNLESS YOU RECEIVE NOTIFICATION OTHERWISE, all participants should arrive at the dock ready to sail .
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If for any reason a trip is cancelled far enough in advance (2 weeks), we will send out an e-mail notification. It is ultimately the duty of the participant to check whether or not we have cancelled a trip, by checking their email, this website, or by calling Jen directly (330-701-6452).
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LOCAL PATCH LIABILITY
You MUST fill out a WAIVER/RELEASE FORM before boarding the boat
It is important to remember that these trips take place on a moving boat on Lake Erie, with a number of other participants on board. This can potentially be dangerous! LOCAL PATCH is not responsible for any injuries, broken, lost, or stolen property, seasickness, or any other misfortunes that occur during these trips. LOCAL PATCH makes no guarantees concerning trip destination or species we are attempting to see.
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PARTICIPANT LIABILITY
It is expected that all participants will behave in a safe and courteous manner. If any participant becomes intoxicated, is in possession of illegal drugs, engages in violence or threats, or performs any other behavior that forces early termination of the trip, that participant will be held liable for the entire cost of the trip.
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FORMS
click to view/download PDF files
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MEDICAL Info / Emergency Contact
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DOWNLOAD A HARDCOPY
CLICK ON IMAGE to see full brochure in PDF-
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RECOMMENDED LODGING
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ALL TRIPS leave from Vermilion. The closest and best lodging available in the immediate area is the HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS, (440) 967-8770. Address: 2417 State Route 60, Vermilion, Ohio 44089. WIFI internet access, complimentary breakfast bar. Distance from Vermilion: 2 miles (5 minutes).
To view the Holiday Inn Express (Vermilion) web page, click HERE
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“A” marks the location of the Holiday Inn Express in Vermilion, on Route 60, immediately south of I-90/Route 2, and 2 miles south of Vermilion.
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IMPORTANT TOUR REMINDERS
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Registration: Trips fill up quickly on a first-come first-serve basis. Please register as soon as possible. A WAITING LIST will be taken.
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Transportation: We encourage you to carpool to the harbor if possible, and please remember to make a contribution to the driver for gas fees.
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What is Provided: Small lunch, snacks, water, soda, coffee, hot chocolate.
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RECOMMENDED READING / Field Guides:
THE BIRDS OF EUROPE (2010: 2nd edition), Princeton Field Guides, Mullarney, Zetterstrom, Svensson. Click HERE to see the book at amazon.com.
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Annotated SPECIES LIST
NOTE: AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER trips will see less late-season migrant loons, terns, and waterfowl. August and September trips target Long-tailed and Parasitic Jaegers, and Sabine’s Gull. October and November trips target Parasitic and Pomarine Jaegers.
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Canada Goose: common
Mute Swan: possible in harbors
Mallard: common
Blue-winged Teal: possible migrant that will join larger flocks of waterfowl
Northern Shoveler: possible migrant that will join larger flocks of waterfowl
Northern Pintail: possible migrant that will join larger flocks of waterfowl
Green-winged Teal: possible migrant that will join larger flocks of waterfowl
Hooded Merganser: possible
Red-breasted Merganser: a few may be seen on the September trips.
Ruddy Duck: regular, should be encountered in small groups.
Red-throated Loon: RARE.
Common Loon: uncommon
Pied-billed Grebe: fairly regular, a handful of scattered individuals possible near shore.
Double-crested Cormorant: abundant.
Great Blue Heron: common, particularly along shore.
Bald Eagle: a few should (juveniles and adults) be encountered along shore.
Northern Harrier: possible along shore and near harbors.
Red-tailed Hawk: possible near shore.
American Kestrel: migrants/residents are often observed near harbors.
Peregrine Falcon: we may encounter local residents or migrants along shore.
Killdeer: possible migrant near shore.
Spotted Sandpiper: frequents breakwalls.
Sanderling: uncommon but possibility of seeing migrants in flight along shore.
Dunlin: uncommon, can frequent harbor breakwalls.
Red-necked Phalarope: RARE. Very small possibility of encountering a single bird near harbors/breakwalls
Pomarine Jaeger: RARE – Pomarine Jaeger is found with regularity from October-December.
Parasitic Jaeger: Rare to uncommon near harbors and offshore. Single bird to max of 2 or 3. August – November.
Long-tailed Jaeger: RARE, found late August through September.
Sabine’s Gull: RARE, typically juveniles, single to multiple individuals flocking together.
Bonaparte’s Gull: these trips are early for Bonaparte’s Gull.
Franklin’s Gull: RARE. Single birds can join mixed flocks of gulls. September – November.
Ring-billed Gull: abundant
Herring Gull: abundant
Lesser Black-backed Gull: uncommon but increasing, mixed flocks of gulls.
Glaucous Gull: possible early migrant, single bird in mixed flocks of gulls.
Great Black-backed Gull: regular in low numbers, from 50 to 500 birds.
Caspian Tern: migrants possible.
Common Tern: small migrant flocks or individuals possible.
Forster’s Tern: small migrant flocks or individuals possible.
Rock Pigeon: from shore.
Mourning Dove: from shore.
American Crow: from shore.
Blue Jay: from shore.
American Pipit: possible migrant near shore.
Horned Lark: possible migrant in low numbers near shore.
Tree Swallow: uncommon/rare migrant this time of year, possible.
Barn Swallow: possible uncommon/rare migrant this time of year in low numbers.
Northern Rough-winged Swallow: possible uncommon migrant this time of year.
American Robin: from shore.
Cedar Waxwing: possible along shore.
Blackbirds: possible mixed migrant flocks
House Finch: from shore.
American Goldfinch: from shore.
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