Today, myself and 12 other keen bird’s (most are birding-aus subscribers) had
what one could consider as an above average sea watch from that famous landmark
in Australia - Magic Pt, Maroubra. Winds were moderate to gusty from the south
& south-west, with seas at probably up to 4-5 metres (causing much sea spray
over 10 metres high over the rocks and near our shelter), especially in the
morning and calming much down around noon.
Reasonable to great views were had of most of the seabird species observed,
though it would have been much better if the winds and rain belts were more
facing towards us to bring more pelagic birds a lot closer in. The main
highlights of the day, were fairly good numbers of Shy Albatross (many quite
close in to see that distinctive "thumb print" on the base of the leading edge
of the underwing), an Antipodean Albatross, great views of 2 Northern and a
Southern Giant Petrel, lots of dark Pterodromas (around the edge of the rain
belts, as they often are, though only a few came in within a kilometre or so to
identify them as Great-winged Petrels. No Providence (Solander’s) Petrels could
be identified. These birds are exciting to watch in the very strong winds) and a
number of good views of atleast 2 Fairy Penguins at there usual feeding place
below the rocks. Unfortunately and unlike our previous sea watches, only a few
Prions came in close for good viewing (have done much better on calmer days) and
only a few Fairy Prions could be positively identified. Most of the Prions were
blown away by the strong winds to get good view.
What I also enjoyed about this day was the good number of Albatrosses
present. In particular there were many Black-browed (well over 200 plus) and a
few Campbell lsland Albatross present in varying plumages, which are always fun
to sort out.
No Whales (apart from a few Dolphins) were seen but possibly due to the rough
weather. We see them more often on calmer days.
The birds sighted out at sea were as follows:
Fairy Penguin (atleast 2 seen)
Black-browed Albatross (200 plus)
Campbell Island Albatross (4)
Yellow-nosed Albatross (20 plus)
Shy (White-capped) Albatross (30 plus) (race cauta)
Wandering Albatross (3-4)
Gibson’s Albatross (1)
ANTIPODEAN ALBATROSS (1)
NORTHERN GIANT PETREL (2)
Southern Giant Petrel (1)
other Giant Petrel species (4)
Great-winged Petrel (8)
other Dark Pterodroma Petrels (30 plus, possibly all Great wing’s)
Fairy Prion (20 plus)
other Prion species (20 plus)
Hutton’s Shearwater (1)
Fluttering Shearwater (10 plus)
Australasian Gannet (70 plus)
Little Pied Cormorant (1)
Great Cormorant (5)
Antarctic Skua (2)
Kelp Gull (1adult)
Silver Gull (50 plus)
Crested Tern (100 plus)
White-fronted Tern (5)
Other non-seabirds
White-bellied Sea Eagle (1)
Eastern Reef Egret (1)
MAMMALS:
Dolphins (possibly Bottle-nosed)
A great day and a very good reason to get out of bed.
Edwin Vella
