Hi VT Birders,

I've been working with the Captain of our 45' research boat, the 
Melosira, to organize a "pelagic" birding trip on Lake Champlain. We 
have finally settled on a date, the 19th of October.  It will be a half 
day trip...roughly 7:00-12:00 and the cost will be $45.00. We haven't 
finalized the departure location yet, but we are trying to arrange 
departure from Point Bay Marina on Thompson's Point (Charlotte) so that 
we can head right out into some of the "birdier" areas on the Lake, with 
the goal of working the area between Thompson's Point and the Four 
Brothers Islands.  If you are interested, please let me know.  To make 
sure everyone has good viewing opportunities, we'll only be able to take 
15-20 birders.

If you've never done any birding from the water, there are a few things 
to keep in mind. The hope is that we will have an opportunity to view 
some of the birds that can only seen at a distance from shore. Loons, 
grebes, scoters, brants, gulls, jaegers (maybe), red phalarope (maybe).  
But, if the conditions are rough, viewing can be challenging as you are 
watching from an unsteady platform. So, although we might get some great 
looks at birds, there are never any guarantees. Additionally, this boat 
is not designed to get anywhere is a hurry.  So, if an unusual bird 
comes whizzing by the boat, we probably won't have much luck in trying 
to outrun it for a better look.  But, this is a totally different 
perspective on birding, and we might just find some really cool birds!

Anyway, if you are interested, please send me an email:
[log in to unmask]
and I'll reserve a space and get back to you with more information.

Allan
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Allan M. Strong
University of Vermont
The Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources
220L Aiken Center

81 Carrigan Drive
Burlington, VT 05405
802-656-2910
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