Conditions: Fine and sunny. Cloud cover <
1/5. Wind 15-25 knots SSW Seas 1- 2 meters
departed 06.30 returned 17.30 hrs. Conditions
for birds were ideal, though a little uncomfortable at times for the
observers.
Observers: Lindsay.E. Smith, Capt. Carl Loves and Harry
Battam.
If the number of unusual species on this trip and recent numbers of
albatrosses, particularly Wanderers are anything to go by this winter, I
believe that we are in for another cracker! (LES)
Highlights:
(Tristan Albatross) Diomedea
Dabbenea
A Wandering albatross possibly belonging to this
species was captured and
banded, we are awaiting conformation of measurements
and plumage characteristics.
Grey-backed Storm-petrel, (2) Grey-headed Albatross (1) (2nd year),
Buller's Albatross (1) Adult.
Large numbers of Antarctic and Slender-billed
Prions. This is the first trip that I can remember where Antarctic and
Slender-billed Prions out numbered Fairy Prions by at least 5 to one. It
was a great opportunity to observe the differences between the prions with birds
as close as 2metres in the wind shadow of the boat and NO Camera !
Birds: Maximum count in
brackets
Silver Gull
Kelp Gull (2) Adults in Harbour (5)
just off shore on return. (3) Imms + Adults (2)
Crested
Tern (4)
Aust.Pelican (8) in harbour (1) 2 miles to sea,
came to boat.
Aust.Gannet (15) mainly inshore to 45 fathoms few
beyond
Little Penguin (3)
Hutton's Shearwater (12) Small parties of birds inside of 75 fathoms
Providence Petrel (8) all beyond shelf
break.
Great-winged Petrel (6) All nominate race P.macroptera (Indian Ocean
form).
Cape Petrel (6)
Northern Giant Petrel (1)
Southern Giant Petrel (2)
Great Skua
(1)
Wandering Albatross (1) D. exulans
Gibson's Albatross (5)
Tristan
Albatross ( 1 possible )
White-capped Albatross (T.steadi) (1)
sub-adult
Shy Albatross (T.cauta) (2) adults
Buller's Albatross (T.bulleri) (1) adult
Grey-headed Albatross (1) 2nd year
Campbell Albatross (T. impavida) (2)
Black-browed
Albatross (20)
Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross (T.bassi)
(15)
Grey-backed Storm-Petrel (2)
White-faced Storm-Petrel (1)
Fairy Prion (5)
Antarctic Prion (30+)
Slender-billed Prion (30+)
__________________________________________
SOSSA "Wildlife Research" H.Q -
Wollongong
Southern Oceans Seabird Study Association Inc.
P.O. Box 142,
Unanderra NSW Australia 2526
Lindsay E. Smith & Janice G. Jenkin-Smith
Janice G. Jenkin.JP.,CMCA. Civil Marriage
Celebrant
P.O. Box 142, Unanderra NSW Australia 2526
Phone +61 (02) 4271 6004
Fax +61 (02) 4272
4626
Mobile 0418 603 007
Email:
