Many pleasant hours have been spent gazing from the bow and decks of the Esperanza during this voyage to the Grand Banks and Flemish Cap. Once one of the richest fishing grounds in the world, it is home to a diverse and vibrant ecosystem. From the surface, the depths below hold their intimate secrets closely. Only few men have had rare glimpse's of the mystery and beauty found far below in this practically unknown, benthic wonderland. However, from the ripples on her surface, much of her mystique comes to life. his serene world is an vigorous playground for whales, dolphins, seals and an abundance of seabirds. I along with several other avid and knowledgeable birders on board have delighted greatly upon the sightings and subsequent additions to our "life lists" of several new species of seabirds. Of special note were several sightings of Long-tailed Jaegers (Stercorarius longicaudus). This bird is characterised by a round chest, flat belly and narrow wings. Its tail is forked and very distinctively long. There is a yellow wash over white on its cheeks that is hard to see, except in mature adults. A black cap on the head offers a sharp contrast. It is a rare visitor to these waters at this time of year, more commonly seen in the fall during its migration south. It breeds in dry, upland tundra in the arctic. This species can be seen soaring high above fishing vessels, often trying to land on the masts and antennas. They have a characteristic "shrill" call which should quickly make their presence known.

Several other interesting species have been spotted in this area, such as the Dovekie (Alle alle) also called, Little Auk. Black and white "Penguins of the North" are plump with a short neck and stubby bill. Normally they are not seen this far south until at least September as this area is in the heart of their wintering range. They breed in the arctic and sub-arctic regions. Many of our old favorites are ever present on a daily basis. The Greater Shearwater seems to be the most abundant resident to the area. They are so-named due to the way way they move under water. With wings tucked backwards, they appear to "shear" the water creating a jet stream effect behind their wings. Northern Fulmers, Great Skua's, and Leach's Storm Petrels also abound. Seabirds can always be found nearby fishing vessel's, awaiting their chance at a "free" meal. Often the birds will provide clue's to the whereabouts of fish. A large flock of birds on the open ocean can often mean there is schooling fish about. Often the appearance of whales and dolphins in the area will remove any further doubts.

Any member of the crew who has spent several hours on a warm sunny day leaning over the bow of the Esperanza watching the bird ballet before them, could also almost certainly hear the musical symphony that they sway too. I often marvel at the effortless banking and gliding, swooping and dipping as the Shearwaters and Fulmers dance upon the waves. Storm Petrels flit from place to place, hovering for an instant to snag a bit of food from the surface, their quest relentless, their precision flawless. There is a seemingly endless congregation of feathered angels, which descend from the heavens above, sliding down one wave to catch an updraft and soar over the next peak hugging the ever changing contours of a sea in chaos. The continuous flight of fancy exhibited by these aerial mavericks is truly something to behold. High above, the cries of Jaegers, against the backdrop of soft pillowy clouds dotting the vast blue sky, can be heard. Dolphins frolic in the waves at the bow, and charging forward the vibrant rainbow painted hull of the Esperanza makes way.

As the day finally draws to a close, the sun slowly sinks westward, the horizon is ablaze, the red glowing sun reminds me of a timeless Fishermen's Lament... Red Sky at Night, Sailors Delight! Red Sky in Morning, Sailors Take Warning! As the sun is a fiery scarlet tonight, I look forward to clear sailing ahead and the hope of better days to come.

--Chris