30 October Report

OVERVIEW

21C, some cloud, fine. Wind: 10-15 knots Southerly then shifting to the East. Sea surface temps: 18.8C. Arrived at the shelf around 10:40. Set up the 1st drift on top of the seamount. We drifted at 2.1 knots to the south.

Highlight was a WHITE-WINGED BLACK TERN, originally called as an Arctic but identified from Nick Thompson's photographs after returning to shore. Seen just before 12NM. A mix of Albatrosses including a late Buller's. Two Gibson's seen with one coming to the boat. A pelagic Dollarbird also flew past the boat.

Common dolphins and Common short-beaked dolphins encountered. Some flying fish seen as well.

BIRD LIST

(Note that the numbers in parentheses represent the approximate maximum number of that species in view at one time)

Wilson's Storm Petrel1
Buller's Albatross1
Shy Albatross9
Black-browed Albatross3
Wandering Albatross (Gibson's)2
Grey-faced Petrel1
Wedge-tailed Shearwater127
Flesh-footed Shearwater 1
Short-tailed Shearwater 23
Fluttering Shearwater5
Hutton's Shearwater1
Fluttering-type Shearwaters11
Australasian Gannet8
Pomarine Jaeger1
Arctic Jaeger1
Silver Gull6
WHITE-WINGED BLACK TERN1
Common Tern2
Greater Crested Tern10

OTHER

Oceanic Bottlenose Dolphin
Common Dolphin
Flyingfish

The next Sydney pelagic trip is scheduled for Monday 30th October 2022 departing from Mosman at 6.45am and Rose Bay at 7.00am.
All information on our trips including dates and contact details can be found on the website at sydneypelagics.info
Book at contact@sydneypelagics.info
You can also find us on Facebook and post photos at https://www.facebook.com/sydneypelagics