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| Wedge-tailed Shearwater |
A few Australasian Gannets were also seen early doors...
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| Australasian Gannet |
We also saw tens of Fluttering and Huttons Shearwaters flying by but it took most of the day to get decent views, but no pics. Heading out further it was apparent that there weren't big numbers of birds today and we went a spell without seeing much, until our first Black-browed Albatross appeared and we definitely saw 3 different individuals.
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| Black-browed Albatross |
Then we began picking up what the local birders are calling Solander's Petrels, although this is not yet split from Providence Petrel by IOC.
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| Solander's (Providence) Petrel |
At least 3 White-capped Albatross also began following our chum slick....
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| White-capped Albatross |
We also saw a White-faced Storm Petrel, 4 Short-tailed Shearwaters and a single Flesh-footed Shearwater.
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| White-faced Storm-Petrel |
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| Flesh-footed Shearwater |
One of my personal targets was Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross and I was pretty excited to see a couple individuals....
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| Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross |
But the undoubted highlight of the day was seeing this Wandering Albatross (exulans) come flying in from the horizon and then alighting on the water right beside us. Wow! The bird was captured and ringed and although it was rather humbling to be able to see this majestic bird so close, I didn't like the length of time it was kept in people's hands and also doubt the scientific value of stressing this beautiful creature so much.
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| Wandering Albatross |
