Albatross seen form The Nobbies, Phillip Island

["Elizabeth Shaw" <>]

Thought I'd take the opportunity of getting out of the house and do a bit of a 
sea watch from The Nobbies - 15 min drive from home. It was sunny and a strong 
nw wind blowing - but not too cold.  Not many birds out there - the usual 3 
gulls (Kelp, Pacific and Silver), a couple of Sooty Oystercatchers and a few 
Gannets - then finally an albatross, but quite unusual.  It had the typical 
long wings, but dark (not black) top and underneath.  It was a bit lighter 
around the shoulders and dark over the face.  
My hope is that it is a Light-mantled Sooty Albatross, but referring to books 
when I got home I think it more likely to be a juvenile Sooty, especially based 
on distribution maps.  What do you 'experts' think more likely?
cheers
Elizabeth Shaw
Phillip Island
Victoria
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