Sunday, April 09, 2006

It's an Ill Wind

It's an ill wind that blows no one any good. So the saying goes. I journeyed down to Goat Bluff (opposite Betsey Island) this morning, mainly to see the much publicised swells that were coming in after the storm force winds of recent days. They were indeed worth watching and photographing, but as I know from previous occasions, it also brings in the sea birds, and I wasn't disappointed. Although admittedly, they are still some way offshore, probably around 1500metres or so, they are still identifiable. There seemed to be a large area of 'dirty' water around the NE of Betsey Island that was attracting, not only birds, but dolphins. Birds identified included 5+ Giant Petrel, 3 Great Skuas, 1 Wandering Albatross, several Shy Albatross, 20+ Gannets, and several Black-faced Cormorants. The larger birds were passing through and no doubt if I'd stayed longer I would have seen more. Despite the enjoyment of seeing these birds, there was a strong, biting SW wind blowing! There were many more Gannets at the mouth of the Derwent River. The photos show Black Jack Rocks Light and Cape Contrariety, complete with heavy swell, as seen from Goat Bluff. Black Jack Rocks is normally a favoured roosting site for Black-faced and Little Pied Cormorants and often holds 100+ birds.

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