Hi all
The St Helens pelagic birdwatching trips scheduled for Thursday 24th,
Friday 25th and Saturday 26th July will be departing from the main wharf
at St Helens in the 60' Starboat Nifty II at 06.30 and returning approx.
15.00 hrs on each of the three days.
<>At present, the potential for pelagic birding around St Helens is
exceptional. Reports from local commercial fisherman indicate that
large numbers of sea birds brought in last week by storm force winds are
concentrating at a few hot spots along the north east coast of
Tasmania. We will be visiting some of these sites and also points of
interest in the Tasman Sea beyond the continental shelf, observing birds
attracted to nutrient rich waters brought up by up welling currents
surrounding the deep water sea mounts. It was at several of these
sites in 2006 where we recorded up to 3 Westland Petrels, Blue Petrel,
and many other rarities. See
http://bioacoustics.cse.unsw.edu.au/archives/html/birding-aus/2006-07/msg00519.html
The continental shelf is less than 1 hour sailing from the St Helens
Barway permitting an easy return to shore should the wind rise
unexpectedly. July weather around St Helens provides a + 70%
probability of calm conditions more often with slight westerly "off
shore" swell. Because the weather is generally favourable (Don't ask
me about the other 30%), July trips can often be the most rewarding of
all providing excellent observing and photographic opportunities. This
is my favourite time of year for observing pelagics; all sorts of sub
Antarctic goodies can turn up and it is usually comfortable to watch them.
Due to a late cancellation we have space available on all three days if
anyone is interested. Cost is $130.00 for single day trip or $300.00
($100.00 per day) for all three days. We have a limit of 12 persons and
relevant to the recent discussion on this list, these trips are run at
no profit. Nifty II is an exceptional sea going vessel with a large
open after deck providing excellent viewing opportunities for all on
board. Licensed charter vessels of this type usually cost more than
$2000 per day to hire but the owners (The Rainbird family of St Helens)
have been prepared to run their boat at cost to support the development
of a new environmentally friendly activity in the area. Because the
cost of diesel has soared by more than 50% since the trips were planned,
in this instance the vessel is chartering below cost however, in spite
of these difficulties, coffee, bird berley and biscuits are supplied.
Bring your own lunch.
For a bit of extra fun, I will be awarding to the observer who spots the
best and rarest bird of the trip as judged by a consensus vote, a copy
of;
Albatrosses, Petrels and Shearwaters of the World; Derek Onley & Paul
Scofield. See http://press.princeton.edu/titles/8395.html
If anyone would like to book a space or obtain some further info
regarding the trips please email me at
<> or phone Mob: 0428337956.
Ian May
PO Box 110
St Helens, Tasmania 7216
0428337956
currently at Price SA until 22 July (08)88376212
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