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Pelagic zone of sea is the water that is neither close to the bottom nor near the shore. It is beyond the continental shelves in the open ocean. Pelagic birds, also called oceanic birds, live in the open sea, rather than around waters adjacent to land or around inland waters like shore birds. Pelagic birds feed on planktonic crustaceans, squid and forage fish. Examples are the Skuas, sooty terns, shearwaters, and procellariforms such as the albatross, procellariids and petrels.In India there are some efforts taken in southern region especially from Kochi and Mangalore, but not many pelagic expeditions happen from Mumbai and nearby regions. This is after a long break, DCP Expeditions is relaunching its pelagic expedition in the Arabian Sea and take participants to the middle of the ocean and see these pelagic birds. Generally these birds are attracted to fishing boats and give a lot of opportunity to photograph at close distance. We will be going to the middle of the sea in a fishing boat and have actual experience of fishing and pelagic birding. Its going to be one trilling weekend experience. Participants who register for this expedition need to keep in mind that this is no where close to luxury, it is a pure adventure.
Target species of Pelagic birds
Arctic Skua (two morphs pale and Dark)
Large tailed skua
Sooty tern
Brideled Tern
Maksed Booby
Friget birds
Scheduled date: 5th - 6th March 2022
Itinerary
Day 1
We will be travelling from Mumbai to Akshi by private cars. The travel will start sharp at 5 am and we should be reaching Akshi beach between 8 and 8:30 am. We will have breakfast on the way. The boat will start by 9 am and we will be in the sea till 3 to 3:30 pm, depending on tide. Our lunch will be at Khanderi fort. We will carry packed lunch but please note we have to keep the lunch light. We return to the shore by evening and chit chat about the day’s activities during the evening. We will spend the night at Akshi shore.
Day 2
Next day morning, get up early and enjoy the entire morning doing shore bird photography with our experts.
We will be statying at Jaswand Holidays in A/C room on twin sharing basis.
Things needed:
For pelagic birds
Your DSLR camera
Light weight Telephoto lenses (Don’t carry heavy lenses)
For shore bird photography
Telephoto lenses – preferably above 400 mm
A sturdy tripod, preferably without the central column
Carry fully charged batteries for your camera / flash
Carry battery charger. Carry extra pack of camera batteries
Carry backup memory cards / HDD storage drives, Laptop
It is advisable to carry basic first aid along with you
Please carry Odomos to keep you protected from mosquito bites
Carry extra pair of clothes, inner wears and towel as you are likely to get wet
Carry a pair of good binoculars
On field learning from the experts is said to be one of the best methods of improving your skillsets. Our expert will hand hold you at every possible step for a better understanding of perspectives, camera controls and how to make use of the best opportunities to get better images. The training will focus on the following
Technique of Pelagic birding
Different modes of shooting (Av / A, Tv / S, M and P)
Exposure control in field under difficult light conditions
Mastering metering techniques (Spot, partial, center weighted, evaluative)
Mastering auto focus, focusing points, AF locking and focus tracking for moving subjects
How to get sharp images of moving subjects
Framing and composition in the field
Parag Damle is by profession, a scientist from the pharmaceutical industry, but better known by his passion. He is one of the most passionate Wildlife photographers in our panel of experts. Simply put, he is mad about wilderness. Having traveled extensively across Indian geography for several years, he has an in depth knowledge of difficult terrains and dense forests spread across the Indian subcontinent. His photography skills are par excellence in various genre of Wildlife photography with a special expertise in bird photography. His knowledge about Indian birds is beyond comparison. We often refer to Parag for his identification skills. He has a very good teaching acumen. He is a traveler, trainer, biodiversity expert, ornithologist and a Panel Expert associated with DCP.
Rs 9000 per head (Ex Akshi)
Cost includes
Boat charges
Stay at Akshi on Saturday evening
Evening snacks, dinner on Day 1 and Breakfast on Day 2
Lunch will be light and packed (Thepla)
All taxes and service charges
Birding guidance by DCP Expert
Photography training by DCP Expert
Cost does not include:
Mumbai – Akshi – Mumbai travel. Travel will be by car pooling
Mineral Water, soft drinks
Any kin of insurance, medical or/and Emergency Charges
Any extra meals not included in the above itinery
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Khanderi Underi Twin Islands, Alibag, Maharashtra, India 402208, Panvel, India
Tickets