Seawatching is a type of birdwatching where participants observe seabirds from a fixed point on the mainland.[1] They may do this from a coastal location, usually a headland, looking out to sea, or from a boat or ship.
Seawatching is commonly performed during bird migration seasons, and particularly when weather conditions are suitable. Successful seawatching is very dependent on the weather.[2] When the weather is fine, birds often stay out to sea, and pelagic trips are then a more effective way to observe them; if onshore winds combine with rain, birds can be forced to migrate close to shore.[1]
Groups of birds for which seawatching is an effective observation method include petrels, terns and skuas.
. Birding with Bill Oddie . Bill Oddie . Stephen Moss . 2011 . Random House . 978-1849903080 . 98 . 19 August 2015.