From listener Lance Tanino, Kamuela, Hawai’i.

Pelagic birding is one of the most popular forms of birdwatching around the world, but how often do you hear about seawatching? Seawatching is land-based monitoring of seabird migration from the coast, so you don’t have to worry about seasickness. 

Are you wondering how to hear about the most popular seawatching locations in the U.S.? The Seawatching group on Facebook is a place to share your favorite seawatching locations and observations. 

Compared to the mainland, the Hawaiian Islands aren't known for spring and fall bird migrations. Nonetheless, in 2014 I discovered that Keokea Beach Park in the North Kohala district of Hawai'i County is a good place to observe spring and fall seabird migration. Local seabird residents and those passing through the Hawaiian Islands come from Australia, New Zealand, and Chile. International species that have been observed with regularity include Sooty and Short-tailed Shearwaters, Juan Fernandez Petrel, Mottled Petrel, Cook's Petrel, and Buller's Shearwater. 

I hope to see you out there with your spotting scope and binoculars during migration.