Hi Karen, Edwin and other birders.
I do feel that the birding couple who Karen met at Cape Solander was
Neil and Judy, Russill, long term members of both the NSWFOC & the
Cumberland BOC. Like she said, a lovely, helpful couple!
Off Norah Head and Soldiers Point on the Central Coast of NSW last
Sunday, it was easier to spot the Humpback Whales than the seabirds. Atlas
the Albatrosses were staying well out to sea and I could only positively
identify one Black-browed Albatross. However Fluttering Shearwaters and
Australasian Gannets were more obliging.
Alan morris
Records Officer
NSWFOC
Karen Pearson wrote:
This
morning I had wonderful experience at Cape Solander on the southern
end of Botany Bay (a little south of Sydney). Not only was I watching several
Black-browed and Shy Albatross offshore from Cape Solander, but
saw 3 magnificent Humpback Whales only about one kilometre away
from the rocks. One or two was seen "breaching" (with enormous splashes)
and the whales were also seen tail slapping, blowing, rolling, diving,
flapping its fins and tail etc. There were several small fishing boats
metres away from them and one fisherman did not realise how close it came
behind from his boat. I have never seen them so close to shore. -----snip Edwin, Unfortunately,
I just missed you. I have just returned to Melbourne yesterday (Sunday)
after spending a week at Cape Solander ( pretty much daybreak to 4.00ish)
helping to count the passing humpback whales. I too, saw some
spectacular sights while there. Congrats on your sightings - I for
one, will never tire of the sight of such magnificient creatures on their
annual migration. I
also managed to spot some interesting birds while there to add to all the
thrills, and managed a quick trip to the Royal National Park (I don't think
I've ever seen so many birds !!!!) after being helped by a regular
birding couple also out watching the whales. The gentleman
was Neil (sorry, I didn't catch his surname) and his wife and they were
both very helpful - a lovely couple. He did mentioned he knows quite
a few contributors on birding-aus. I had a truly wonderful week !! KarenHampton,
Vic.
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