On Tuesday 3rd May I was on a reef fishing charter out of Port
Douglas when I observed an all dark storm-petrel for a time within forty
metres of the vessel that I was on.
I am familiar with Wilson's Storm-Petrel which I have seen here on
three occassions on such charters, however this bird lacked any white or
pale features at all. On checking field guides I identified it as a dark
morph of the White-bellied Storm-Petrel. The location was at Batt Reef
(16o 26' E 145o 47' S) about eleven nautical miles east of Port Douglas.
That day followed about a week of sustained south-easterly onshore
winds reaching almost thirty knots. At the time winds were from that
direction at about twelve knots.
I had Martin Cachard who has wide experience with pelagics check
with my identification.
In my view there is something of a void in knowledge with Barrier
Reef waters as few birders get to spend time in the region for sustained
periods. Admittedly some records are within the confines of university
student reports which (sadly) don't seem to reach the notice of the
birding fraternity.
Some years ago I observed a Pomarine Jaeger off Snapper Island
which lies adjacent to the mouth of the Daintree River. To me that also
was most unexpected. Given the lack of competent observers afloat in the
area there is probably more pelagic seabird movement than is realised.
Del. Richards, Fine Feather Tours, Mossman, NQ.
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