Macca update: News from Macquarie Island from Rohan Clark

["Mike Carter" <>]

 

Most of the summer breeding seabirds have now arrived on the island. Gentoo Penguins and Northern Giant Petrels are on chicks, Royal Penguins, Antarctic Terns, Light-mantled Sooty Albatross and King Shags are on eggs while other species including most of the burrowing petrels are still busy displaying.

As for other sightings the following have been seen since the 21st Oct

Shy Albatross Diomedea cauta 1 adult of the race cauta/steadi seen off Garden Cove 25/10. Not on published bird lists for Macquarie Island but bound to have been recorded here previously (RHC).

Southern Fulmar Fulmarus glacialoides 1 over the station on 23/10 in strong gales (MS).

Antarctic Petrel Thalassoica antarctica 1 beach-washed (dead) near Hurd Point early Nov (MS).

Kerguelen Petrel Lugensa brevirostris 1 seen off Garden Cove 27/10. Not on published bird lists for Macquarie Island but bound to have been recorded here previously (RHC).

Soft-plumaged Petrel Pterodroma mollis Daily sightings at sea off North Head with a maximum count of 22 in the evening on 29/10 (RHC).

Australasian Coot Fulica atra 1 adult at the creek mouth near Green Gorge Hut 2/11 (RHC).

Grey Teal Anas gracilis 1 bird on Duck Lagoon with Black Duck and Mallard on 31/10 (RHC).

Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles 1 adult around the station for the entire reporting period.

Common Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs 1 adult male near Hurd Point 5/11. A European species that is well established in NZ. This is the first record for Macquarie Island (MS).

MS = Martin Schultz, RHC = Rohan Clarke