Eaglehawk Pelagic 1 March 2004 Trip Report

[richard baxter <>]

Eaglehawk Pelagic 1 March 2004 Trip

Conditions

Sea: 1.5-2m

Weather: Sunshine all afternoon

Wind: 15-20knots

Time: Depart Eaglehawk jetty about 2.30pm return 6.30pm.

Boat: Tasman Sea Charters

Having spent the morning finding the Fiordland Penguin just south of the jetty carpark I had an entire afternoon at Eaglehawk to fill in. After enquiring with the usual fishing charter companies and having no luck I came across a brochure for Tasman Sea Charters. A quick call and I was met at the jetty by Damain the owner of Tasman Sea Charters who was very keen to get out to the shelf to see some pelagic seabirds.

Damian set up the business only 1 month ago is running wildlife/birdwatching/nature trips from the jetty at Eaglehawk in a boat he brought down from QLD. He is a local lad who has spent the last few years working on long-liners and guiding tour groups in the Northern Territory and WA. He has a good knowledge of local seabirds and other wildlife and is very eager to learn more and spend time at sea. He is also happy to run out to the shelf off Eaglehawk with only one customer and can take up to twelve people. His price is also significantly lower than other boat charter operators at Eaglehawk.

It didn?t take long to cross the shelf and we were soon surrounded by hundreds of Shy Albatross and Short-tailed Shearwater. These were by far the most common bird of the day. Small numbers of Common Diving Petrel, Fairy Prion and White-faced Storm Petrel were seen. It didn?t take long for 2-3 White-chinned Petrels to arrive and these stayed with the boat all afternoon. The bird of the day was a lone SOFT-PLUMAGED PETREL  which came into the boat for a look allowing a few photos before flying off.

All in all a good few hours birding.

Damians website is at www.tasmanseacharters.com

Regards

Richard Baxter

Newcastle

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