Kay Parkin Birding: Port MacDonnell Pelagic

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Port MacDonnell Pelagic

Port MacDonnell pelagic birding is always enjoyable and last weekend's trip was no exception.

Sunday morning at 6am we were aboard the Remarkable skippered by Mark and heading out to sea.

When we were well past the shelf we stopped and we getting ready to start the burley when we were instantly visited by a Soft-plumaged Petrel! What a fantastic way to start the day...

Northern Royal Albatross then came in for a look

Wandering Albatross joined in the fun

Gooneybird - Immature Wandering Albatross

Cape Petrel were in good numbers

Cape Petrel

Great-winged Petrels and White-faced Storm-petrels were in good numbers

White-faced Storm-petrel

Great-winged Petrel

I was happy to finally manage to snap a few photos of a Salvins Albatross.

Shy "Salvins" Albatross

Cape Petrel

A very enjoyable day with friends - I cant think of a better way to spend a weekend!!

Do you want to start bird watching?

Birding is a great hobby and can be done easily and without much expense. You can simply go for a walk and take note of the birds you see! If you are new to birding you may not know what the birds are called so I'd suggest carrying a note book so you can make some notes on their colour, size and markings so you can then identify them when you get home.

To identify them you can use an Australian Bird Field Guide - I'd suggest Pizzey, otherwise you can use a website which has photos of Australian birds such as www.bushpea.com

You can start listing every species of bird that you see. You will be surprised at how quickly your total increases. It is so much fun and you could encourage your family and friends to join you.

You will need a pair of binoculars - 10 x 40 is a good size. I use Nikon Monarch but try them out in the shop to get a light pair that suits you.

BIRDER

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Port MacDonnell Pelagic