I was offshore again in Bass Strait, Eastern Victoria from 6 to 12 December
on an Esso Platform in about 60 metres of water. The following birds were seen:
Wandering Albatross: max 2 birds on 3 days, both about Stage 5 upper wing as
shown in HANZAB.
Pomarine and Arctic Jaegers: a mixed flock of 6-20 birds around the platform
on most days. It took me some time to sort them out. I have previously
only seen 2 at any one time from the platforms.
Short-tailed Shearwater: small numbers on most days
Australasian Gannet: 1 on most days
Shy Albatross: singles seen on 3 days. One had white patches on upper wing
Silver Gull: single on 1 day, 17 on another. These may have been spooked
by the Jaegers although I saw no attacks. There is usually a flock of SGs
at each platform, but the resident flock of Jaegers this time was unusual.
Pacific Gull: single adult on 2 days, single immature on 1 day.
Crested Tern: singles on 2 days.
Regards,
Gil Langfield
Melbourne, Australia
|
