I was fortunate to go on the Sunday trip. While we did not get the variety
on Andrew's trip, we did see some great birds despite the calmer sea
conditions. My 2 main highlights for the day were the Black Petrels (a new
bird for me) and the good numbers of Long-tailed Jaegers (about 10-15
atleast were behind the boat) where on my previous trips I have only seen
single birds. We must of banded atleast 16 Wandering Albatross types which
kept Peter Milburn and Vince quite busy. I really hope this is a sign that
these
magnificent birds will be on the increase.
I was quite amazed how Captain Carl spotted and quickly caught a Black
Petrel as soon as it flew in. Just as I was waiting for a Black Petrel to
show up, and with Carl saying "C'mon you Black Petrels", a few minutes later
I hear Carl say "Black Petrel" and I quickly responded "Where? " with
excitement,
and then as I managed to get my binoculars on one, Carl catches another in
mid
air with his net. it was then banded, giving us great views of the bill.
I also liked how Carl caught one of those Blue Petrels flying in mid air,
back on a July trip. I also found it quite interesting to see, while we were
banding the
Wanderers, the number of Wilsons Storm Petrels building up with the slick
about the boat, after we stopped for about 2 and 1/2 hours. During this
time, I was hoping
to find one of those Black-bellied Storm Petrels that Andrew had seen the
previous
day but had no luck. About 20 species were seen on the trip.
All the pelagics I have been to this year have been great experiences, and I
hope next years will bring much the same.
Edwin
P.S. This morning, I felt like that I was being followed by Channel-billed
Cuckoos. I heard one just before I left home for work and another just upon
arrival at work, about 20 km away.
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