Port Stephens Pelagic Trip Report - Sat 27th March 2010
Boat: M.V.Argonaut, skippered by Ray Horsefield
OBSERVERS
Richard Baxter, Inger van Dyke, Richard Fuller, Heyn de Koch, Leanne Maffasoni,
Michael Kearns, Alan Stuart, Ann Lindsey, Nick Livanos, Robert McDonald,
Richard Nicholas, Maureen Goninan, Marj Kibby and Mick Roderick (leader and
organiser).
CONDITIONS
A weak southerly front had moved up the coast on the previous night, dropping
off to virtually still conditions for much of the day. Seas and swell were less
than a metre and did not change all day. The wind barely got up, only slightly
from the north-east in the mid-afternoon and for much of the day the surface of
the water was quite glassy. Water temperature approximately 24 degrees. A band
of warmer water (> 26 degrees) was situated in a long band stretching down the
east coast and was sitting about 10 nautical miles to the east of the shelf off
Port Stephens.
HIGHLIGHTS
A fantastic day at sea, with several NSW rarities recorded. There was a clear
tropical influence in the birds recorded and was probably the first pelagic off
NSW on which both Brown and Red-footed Boobies were recorded. Other highlights
included White-bellied Storm-petrel and Tahiti Petrel.
SUMMARY
DepartedNelson Bay Public Wharfat 0720, returning at 1715.
In stark contrast to the February trip, todays pelagic was full of surprises.
A small group of Little Penguins were seen just off the heads and after passing
by Boondelbah Island, the first Wedge-tailed Shearwaters came into view. Soon
after we approached a band of them and it was decided to commence the days
berleying. A few Pomarine Jaegers and groups of Flesh-footed Shearwaters were
also soon following the boat. A couple of Short-tailed Shearwaters whizzed
past, followed by a single Sooty Shearwater seen by a few observers.
Following a smooth run out, we arrived at the shelf drop-off (32 55 00 / 152 34
47) at about 1010, just as a Solanders Petrel flew past the starboard side –
the only Pterodroma for the day. Without hesitation the cod liver oil-soaked
rag was dropped into the water as soon as the engines were cut. Within 5
minutes we had several Wilsons Storm-petrels in the slick, followed by a far
more confiding Fregetta Stormy that was confirmed to be a WHITE-BELLIED
STORM-PETREL. This bird did not linger for long, but was seen well by all on
board.
Soon after the excitement of the Stormy had dwindled a BROWN BOOBY flew in and
circled the boat several times, enabling great photo opportunities. Literally
as the Booby departed the cry of “TAHITI PETREL!” went out and once again,
digital shutters went mad.
By this stage the breeze had dropped off completely and things went deathly
quiet. Even the Wedgies were no longer showing interest in the berley. Some
excitement was created when the cry of “Cookilaria!” went out, only to watch a
Huttons Shearwater fly past. Good numbers of Wilsons Storm-petrels kept those
on board busy shooting photos down the slick.
In fact, it remained largely quiet until it came time to head back for port
(around 1340, from 32 56 23 / 152 32 39). We motored back along the slick, but
saw nothing apart from the dancing Wilsons. About 2 miles west of the shelf
break the cry of “stop the boat!” went out as a STREAKED SHEARWATER crossed the
wake. We watched this bird for nearly 10 minutes as it remained faithful to the
rear of the boat, keeping a distance of about 50-100m. Then, as it approached
from the south-east, a second bird joined the first and for a while the 2 flew
almost in unison before we had to drag ourselves away!
That wasnt to be the only surprise on the return leg. A large, predominantly
white bird was seen flying up behind the boat and was soon “dismissed” as a
Gannet. But on closer inspection we realised that we had been looking at an
immature RED-FOOTED BOOBY. All on board were in awe of the fact that wed seen 2
species of Booby on the same day – so we looked in earnest for the 3rd! It
wasnt to be, and the day was rounded off by an Arctic Jaeger harassing Crested
Terns near the heads.
A great day, and especially so for Hunter Region birders, with several rare
birds for the region recorded.
Cheers,
Mick Roderick
BIRDS
Species: Total (maximum number around the boat at one time)
WilsonsStorm-Petrel: 20 (12)
WHITE-BELLIED STORM-PETREL: 1
Wedge-tailed Shearwater: 500 (100)
Flesh-footed Shearwater: 50 (15)
Short-tailed Shearwater: 3 (1)
Sooty Shearwater 1
STREAKED SHEARWATER: 2 (2)
Huttons Shearwater: 1
Fluttering Shearwater: 2 (1)
Solanders (Providence) Petrel: 1
TAHITI PETREL: 1
Australasian Gannet: 3 (1)
BROWN BOOBY: 1
RED-FOOTED BOOBY: 1
Little Penguin: 4 (4)
Arctic Jaeger: 1
Pomarine Jaeger: 10 (2)
Crested Tern: 10 (3)
Silver Gull: 4 (4)
MAMMALS
Common Dolphin: A pod of about 10 individuals a few miles west of the shelf.
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