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Hi Birding-aussers, after over a year we finally
are up and running again. This was a trial run to test the suitability of the
vessel (Spirit of Paradise) re; comfort, speed, etc. The vessel is a 10 metre
Cougarcat, looks smallish but handles well and sits flat when stationary. The
skipper also shuts the motors down, enabling the birds to come very close -
something Sea World never did.
Fast, up to 24-25 knots in good conditions enabling
us to get into Slope waters much sooner than before. Reasonable cover outside,
with nice sized cabin with seating for 5-6 adults inside.
We traveled out to about 55 kilometres east of
Southport in calm seas with up to 1.5 metre swell. 8 pax. on board with only 1
getting sick mainly due to buffeting at high speed (24 knots). Very little
activity out wide with most birds associated with baitfish activity closer in on
the Shelf on the way back in.
Verdict; although a very poor day bird-wise, the
boat passed with flying colours. It will be interesting though to see how it
handles heavier conditions, of course we will slow down accordingly to
accomodate more adverse seas. However, the extra speed could prove very useful
when things get a bit quiet and we need to go hunting for possible feeding
flocks.
The Birds
Tahiti Petrel - 3 (1)
Wedge-tailed Shearwater - 78
(20)
Flesh-footed Shearwater - 13
(6)
Hutton's Shearwater - 4
(4)
Pomarine Jaeger - 7 (2)
Crested Tern - 42 (20)
Sooty Tern - 8 (5)
I'm happy enough with the boat and have booked it
for the rest of the year, with the projected dates listed below. On occasions
when there is increased bird activity, possibility of adding extra trips, also
on postponement of a trip, choice of re-scheduling.
Over the next week or so the skipper will work out
the costs and I will post this onto Birding-aus along with venue location,
starting times etc.
Jan 19th
Feb 16th
Mar 16th
Apr 20th
May 18th
Jun 15th
Jul 20th
Aug 17th
Sep 21st
Oct 19th
Nov 16th
Dec 21st
Remember, this is a SOSSA sanctioned non-profit
excursion and carried out for research purposes, data collected is made
available to various organisations. Bookings should be made by e-mail
to:
Or by phone; (H) 07 3391 8839
(W) 07 3350 8258
When dialling international add 61 7 to the 8 digit
number.
Cheers & I hope to see some of you in the near
future, not all of our pelagics are as boring as last Saturdays', so please
don't be put off, hopefully my report wasn't too boring either - Paul
Walbridge.
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