Sydney Pelagic Trip Report for 7th September 1996
Those on board:
Tony Palliser(Leader), Phil Hansbro, Alan McBride, Pete Milburn,
Trevor Quested, Cilla Quested, Annie Young, John Reidy, Rod Gardner,
Keith Brandwood, Bill Watson, Chris Brandis, Irene Denton, Kira Bohn
and Bob Handfield. (Thanks to all, for their support).
Highlights:
An exceptional trip reaching a distance of 42 NM East of Sydney's South
Head. Lots of birds recorded after the boat was stopped 27NM from shore
with large numbers of white-faced Storm Petrel being recorded beyond
30NM serving to confirm that they do feed well beyond the shelf. Also
of note was the largest number of Wandering Albatross recorded this
year, with over 20 individuals involving several races present.
Wedge-tailed Shearwater's have returned in numbers, it being
noteworthy that almost all sightings were very close in shore.
Opportunities were excellent for photography, the White-faced Storm
Petrels were exceptionally confiding as were the White-headed Petrels
and indeed the highlight of the trip 3 White-chinned Petrel.Cetaceans
were also of value with a pod of about 30 Risso's dolphin and
Long-finned Pilot Whale and a very close Sperm Whale. Unconfirmed
views were made of two rarities thought to be a Kerguelen Petrel and
pale phase Soft-plumaged Petrel.
Conditions:
Water temperature 18.0C once beyond the shelf.
Departed at 7.00 am and returned at 4.00 pm.
1 Metre swell.
10 knot changeable winds from the South in the morning to North
Westerly late in the afternoon.
Reached 42 Nautical Miles E of Sydney's South Head
BIRD LIST
Wandering Albatross (20-30+)
Shy Albatross (10-15)
Black-browed Albatross (10+)
Yellow-nosed Albatross (5)
Providence Petrel (20+)
Great-winged Petrel (80-100)
White-headed Petrel (15+)
White-chinned Petrel (3)
Cape Petrel (8+)
Fairy Prion (5)
Fluttering Shearwater (30+)
Hutton's Shearwater (20+)
Wedge-tailed Shearwater (200+)
White-faced Storm Petrel (150+)
Australasian Gannet (14)
Silver Gull (100+)
Crested Tern (10+)
Great Cormorant (1) In the harbour
Little Pied Cormorant (1) In the harbour
Australasian Pelican (4) In the harbour
MAMMAL LIST
Sperm Whale (1)
Long-finned Pilot Whale (c.20)
Risso's Dolphin (c.10)
Common Dolphin (4)
The next trip is planned from Sydney on Saturday 14th September and
places are still available. To make a booking or find out more contact
either:
Phil Hansbro
Tony Palliser
Regards
Tony Palliser (Sydney, Australia)
Phone +61 2 9900 1678 or +61 2 94277563
Fax +61 2 9900 1669
Email or
http://www.zip.com.au/~palliser
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