The 13 and 14 June we were at a position of 15° 48' N , 53° 59.5' E approx 
60m off the Omani south coast. The weather was overcast and windy 
with a south-westerly wind of force 5-6. During this period I saw good 
numbers of Jouanin's Petrels Bulweria fallax and a scattering of Masked 
Boobies Sula dactylatra. The highlight though came in the form of two 
Black-bellied Petrels Fregetta tropica seen on 14th. 
The 15 June was pleasingly calm and bright with a light north-westerly 
breeze and a pleasant 30° sea temperature. The sea-state had calmed 
considerably. Our mid-day position showed that we were approximately 
40km NE of Ra's Al Hadd, Oman. Jouanin's Petrels were still in 
abundance along with increasing numbers of Wilson's Storm-Petrels 
Oceanites oceanicus. Singles were constantly going past and groups of up 
to six could be seen in feeding parties. 
Then up ahead and directly in the ships path, a party of 30+ birds could 
be seen sitting on the calm sea. As the ship approached, the flock took to 
the wing leisurely 'scuttling' from the path of the ship. It was at this point 
that I noticed an all dark 'storm petrel' fly from the flock in a fast 
deliberate flight. Mentally taking notes on the bird I watched it on the 
wing through fixed position 30 x 75 Swarovski binoculars until it was out 
of range. I then took the following notes. 
Description 
Jizz and Shape: seen in direct comparison with Wilson's it was noted to 
be approximately 1 /3 larger than the former with proportionately longer, 
more pointed wings and sharply angled carpals. The tail was longer in 
appearance than Wilson's giving the bird an almost 'swift' Apus like 
appearance. No fork in the tail was noted. 
The bird's flight was fast and direct, low over the water with occasional 
short glides, lacking Wilson's rather indifferent fluttering flight. 
Plumage: Compared with Wilson's rather blackish plumage, the bird 
was distinctly dark brown with primaries not appearing darker than the 
rest of the wing. Paler coverts formed an indistinct wing bar which was 
noted as being as prominent as some of the duller Wilson's. The rump 
showed no contrast with the tail or the rest of upperparts being the same 
dark brown colour. No other markings were present. 
I immediately referred to my two seabird guides onboard (Seabirds an 
identification guide, Harrison and the Photographic guide, (Harrison). 
After eliminating several species of dark rumped storm petrels on the 
basis of my geographical position I considered the three most likely 
species : Bulwer's Petrel Bulweria buhverii, Matsudaira's Petrel Oceanodroma 
matsudairae and Swinhoe's Petrel O. monorhis. 
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