Fairwell from Phil Hansbro

["Chris Gladwin" <>]

     Phil Hansbro left Australia today after five years of living here.  He
     is bound for U.K. and was very depressed about leaving.  However, he
     wanted me to pass on his good-byes and best wishes to all Birding-Aus
     readers.

     Phil also wanted you all to know that last week he saw, captured,
     banded and released Magenta Petrels (Taiko) in the Chatham Islands.
     He is very happy about that and the fact that he also saw
     Soft-plumaged Petrel, Chatham Island Albatross and Shore Plover.

     This was as part of the annual NZ Dept. of Conservation Magenta Petrel
     resaerch program.  Unfortunately tradgey struck and two of the team
     members (NZ birders) died as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning
     caused by have a gas burner running in their "tent".  The expedition
     has therefore had to be abandoned this year.

     Hopefully Phil will find a job in U.K. with internet access and join
     us again on Birding-Aus soon.


     Chris Gladwin