Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary

A few times a year I join a group of friends on a pelagic birding/wildlife trip from Bodega Bay into the Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary. The Cordell Bank is a seamount located 18 nautical miles due west of the Point Reyes Lighthouse that rises to within 115 feet of the surface. Rich ocean currents and upwelling around the Bank make it a spectacular destination for pelagic wildlife observation.

Whenever you visit the Cordell Bank, there is also the possibility that you might encounter an extreme rarity - for example the Northern Hemisphere's first record of Great-winged Petrel occurred on one of these trips.

This gallery contains images I have taken on many trips to the Cordell Bank over the years. For a more detailed description of pelagic birding trips and photography see the entry on my blog:

Pelagic Birding Trips to the Cordell Bank