This is Bird Note.

Some birds spend most of their lives on the open ocean, only coming to land when it's time to breed.

These high-sea specialists are called pelagic birds, and the best way to see them for yourself is by setting sail.

Pelagic birding tours and whale-watching cruises are a great way to experience oceanic species in their element.

These voyages often begin with the raucous calls of gulls, turns, and pelicans that frequent coastlines.

But just a few miles offshore.

These species give way to true maritime marvels, like Yeagers, also called Skua's.

These dark, gull-like birds are fearsome hunters and skilled thieves who use their aerial prowess to snatch fish from other animals.

Even further out to sea, petrels, shear waters, and albatrosses make life on the wind look like a breeze.

They sport tubular structures above their bills that help them excrete salt from seawater

and navigate by smell.

Their long-pointed wings are perfect for gliding vast distances with minimal effort.

Keep an eye out for dainty seafarers, too, like the robin-sized red fallar rope.

During the winter months, these slender shorebirds plumage turns a ghostly gray,

blending seamlessly into the frothy waves.

For Bird Note, I'm Michael Stein.