Birding from a boat on an ocean is the best birding possible (assuming you don't get seasick). I've taken several such trips, mostly out of Monterey, Cal., one from a Virginia port. I've always had a wonderful time (I've never gotten sick). These pelagic birds, of course, are rarely seen inland. You don't find Black-footed Albatross on Lake Superior. If you have interest, the American Birding Association's 2011 pelagic bird-trip directory is available online at http://www.aba.org/pelagic2011.pdf. Dozens of trips in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and the Gulf of Mexico are listed. My favorites are those offered by Debi Shearwater out of Monterey and other northern California ports. She knows her stuff. This Black-footed Albatross was seen off Monterey on a Shearwater trip. Late summer and fall are good times to go.
