La Gomera (1 Viewer)

Larry Sweetland

Formerly 'Larry Wheatland'

• Sep 4, 2015

• #1

My partner fancies La Gomera for a short break in early November. This is great cos I need Laurel Pigeon, but my question here is: are any of the hot seabirds possible around then from the ferry between Tenerife and La Gomera? Notably Bulwer's Petrel, Medeiran Stormie, and Baroloioliolo Shear? Or are they well outta town.

 

A

Allen S. Moore

Well-known member

• Sep 4, 2015

• #2

As an enthusiast for the neighbouring island of La Palma, where I have seen both endemic species of pigeons fairly easily on all 7 trips, I would recommend that. There is the added interest of the recent volcanic scenery, as well as red-billed choughs. Seawatching is a big minus point for La Palma in the winter, I must admit. I have spent hours staring out to sea, and the best that I ever managed was a gannet! I went on a dolphin watching trip and (bird-wise) I only saw yellow-legged gulls.

 

Jon Turner

Well-known member

• Sep 4, 2015

• #3

I took the ferry from Tenerife to La Gomera a few years back. I lost count of the number of Cory's Shearwaters I saw on both journeys. Precious little else. Both Pigeons were seen, but the low cloud is a problem......

 

Larry Sweetland

Formerly 'Larry Wheatland'

• Sep 4, 2015

• #4

thanks guys. Anyone know specifically whether Bulwer's, Barolo, and Madeiran are even possible in November?

 

A

Allen S. Moore

Well-known member

• Sep 4, 2015

• #5

Larry Sweetland said:

thanks guys. Anyone know specifically whether Bulwer's, Barolo, and Madeiran are even possible in November?

Click to expand...

Doesn't one population of Madeiran petrel nest in our winter? Lord knows how you would spot the foraging birds out in the ocean, but I suppose that sort of challenge isn't beyond you!

 

Paul Chapman

Well-known member

• Sep 4, 2015

• #6

Of course there is always a chance but instinct is no chance:-

http://www.wansteadbirder.com/2014_11_01_archive.html

"Los Christianos – San Sebastian La Gomera Ferry. Lovely, but a complete waste of 50 euros/41 gbp (return foot passenger), with a single Cory’s Shearwater seen on the outbound journey, and nothing at all on the way back. Do not bother at this time of year. Note that the ferry car park is extortionate, so try and park in town instead. Note also that you need your passport to book a ticket"

All the best

 

Jos Stratford

Eastern Exile

Staff member

• Sep 4, 2015

• #7

Larry Sweetland said:

thanks guys. Anyone know specifically whether Bulwer's, Barolo, and Madeiran are even possible in November?

Click to expand...

I made two ferry crossing in late December in 2012 (Fuerteventura-Gran Canaria-Tenerife) ...other than Yellow-legged Gulls, I saw a grand total of one pelagic bird ...but that was fortunately that was a very fine Madeiran Storm Petrel. So they are certainly in the general waters in winter, but overall seabirds are few and far between.

 

foresttwitcher

Virtually unknown member

• Sep 4, 2015

• #8

Larry, note that the different ferry companies operate different types of ferry - the sea-cat type need to be avoided as there is no chance of being on deck.

 

Larry Sweetland

Formerly 'Larry Wheatland'

• Sep 5, 2015

• #9

Thanks all :t: