Nov. 23, 2017 Kaikoura pelagic trip
9:00-13:00
Sunny and occasional cloudy
Wave height : <0.5m
Wind condition : gentle breeze (East)
Kaikoura is one of the most famous spot of seabirding.
We joined the pelagic trip by Albatross Encounter.
As soon as we left the port, we saw the Albatrosses, Petrels and Gulls that followed the fishing boat. We started first chuming session near the fishing boat. The main species were Wondering Albatross, Salvin’s Albatross, Northern Giant Petrel, Cape Petrel and Westland Petrel. And there were several White-capped Albatrosses. After that, our boat stands out to sea, Royal Albatross could be seen. Many of them were Southern Royal Albatross, and fortunatrly, we could see a few Northern Royal Albatrosses. On the way of back to the harbor, we played with Dusky Dolphins and we encountered with Spotted shags. Further, the large flock of Hutton’s Shearwaters was a fine sight. We could meet a lot of seabirds, it was a moving trip!
thanks!
Bird List
- Northern Royal Albatross
- Southern Royal Albatross
- Wandering Albatross (Gibson)
- White-capped Albatross
- Salvin’s Albatross
- Northern Giant Petrel
- Westland Petrel
- White-chinned Petrel
- Cape Petrel
- Hutton’s Shearwater
- Sooty Shearwater
- Short-tailed Shearwater
- Pied Cormorant
- Spotted Shag
- White-fronted Tern
- Black-backed Gull
- Red-billed Gull
- Australasian Gannet
Others…
- Dusky Dolphin
- New Zealand Fur Seal
