In late April when the first sou'westers blow uncertainly between northers, the graceful "Hags" sweep in long loops over the seas of Georges Bank. Throwing a bit of refuse overboard from the dory kept them squabbling alee and lured some within a few feet of the stern. Some, more daring but less wise, dove and were caught on trawl hooks. There was a real nasty job — taking them off — for the ejected perfume smelled as tho the food had been in their stomachs a month!
They are easily distinguished from other SHEARWATERS even in fog, when color fades, by their more active movements. The only call I ever heard was a throaty, harsh wurk wurk when a battle for food was on.
North Atlantic ocean to Labrador and southern Greenland. South probably to Antarctic Circle.