27th JANUARY 2001 WOLLONGONG PELAGIC TRIP REPORT, NSW, AUSTRALIA
Report prepared by: P.J. Milburn
Conditions:
Departed at 7.20 am and returned at approx.4.20 pm.
Sea Conditions: Seas slight to moderate, 0.5 to 1.5 metres after the
southerly change; swell 1 to 2 metre, south easterly, abating in the
afternoon
Weather: Variable between full cloud cover to full sunshine. Min 22°C to
Max. 28°C
Barometeric pressure: 1006 HPa falling
Wind: Light, to 10 kts north easterly in the morning veering to moderate 15
to 20 kts southerly in the afternoon.
Water temperature 23.4 to 26.3 degrees C.
Primary chumming location: S 34° 26' : E 151° 33'
Summary:
A substantial mixed species flock of shearwaters was less than a mile
outside the harbour. We criused slowly through these birds for about 20
minutes. Nothing unusual was sighted but very good views of the usual 6
species of shearwater were had by all. Unfortunately, the overcast
conditions precluded photography. Unusually high numbers of Hutton's
Shearwater were present for the mid-summer season. Several Little Penguin
were amonst the feeding shearwaters.
As we headed east we encountered small groups of shearwaters and the water
temperature continued to climb. At the 100 fathom contour we encountered
our first group of SOOTY TERNS in company with shearwaters. This was to be
the pattern for the day. Once the sun appeared from behind the cloud banks
it felt very warm cruising through 26°C water. A single EASTERN CURLEW was
observed flying south. Ultimately, we were lucky enough to witness a
TAHITI PETREL very close to the boat. Sadly for those who had already
fallen asleep it did not linger.....
The low number of Slender-billed Shearwaters is typical for the season and
is not likely to be related to recent wrecks.
Highlights:
Frequent sightings of SOOTY TERN throughout the day and a good view of a
TAHITI PETREL alongside the boat
Birds recorded (positively identified) according to latest Environment
Australia Reporting Schedule:
Species code: Species name: Numbers:
(Note: numbers in parenthesis = highest count at any one time)
005 Little Penguin Eudyptula minor 2
075 Great-winged Petrel Pterodroma macroptera gouldi 11 (6)
920 TAHITI PETREL Pseudobulweria rostrata 1
068 Fluttering Shearwater Puffinus gavia 3 (2)
913 Hutton's Shearwater P. huttoni 47 (30+)
069 Wedge-tailed Shearwater P. pacificus 1200+ (500+)
070 Sooty Shearwtater P. griseus 5 (2)
071 Slender-billed Shearwater P. tenuirostris 11 (4)
072 Flesh-footed Shearwater P. carneipes 25 (12)
099 Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax varius 2 (2)
128 Arctic Jaeger Stercorarius parasiticus 2 (1)
945 Pomarine Jaeger S. pomarinus 2 (1)
981 Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus 2 (1)
125 Silver Gull L. novaehollandiae 8 (5)
115 Crested Tern Sterna bergii 3 (1)
120 SOOTY TERN S. fuscata 40 (11)
In the harbour
100 Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo 2
106 Australian Pelican Pelicanus conspicillatus 4
981 Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus 1
115 Crested Tern Sterna bergii 1
16 species of seabird identified outside the breakwater.
Mammals,
None observed.
Future Trips,
All Pelagic Trips from NSW are operated at no profit to the organisers
being operated as group boat charters for the benefit of all who wish
to join us. If you would like to join one of these trips please contact:
Either SOSSA or Carl Loves to make a booking on the SOSSA Wollongong
Pelagics which depart on the 4th Saturday of each month.
SOSSA: Phone 02 4271 6004.
Carl Loves Phone: 0427 423 500
Either Tony Palliser or Pete Milburn to make a booking for Sydney Pelagics,
which depart on the 2nd Saturday of each month..
Tony Palliser Ph; 02-99001678 (w), 02-94115272 (h)
http://users.bigpond.net.au/palliser
Pete Milburn: Mobile 0416-249 506, 02-6255 1313 (AH) or 02-62494326 (BH)
Barbara Jones to make a booking for Eden Pelagics which are run on the 5th
Sunday of each month it occurs.
Barbara Jones or Ph (02) 6495 7390
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Note: SOSSA = Southern Oceans Seabird Study Association
Dr.P.J. Milburn
Biomolecular Resource Facility
The Australian National University
GPO Box 334 Canberra ACT 0200 AUSTRALIA
Phone No. <61> <2> 6249 4326
Fax No. <61> <2> 6249 4326
E-mail Address
Birding-Aus is on the Web at
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