17 Dec 2023

Birding through the Chatham Island Group – An eventful sea day!

Our early morning navigation through prime seabird waters was limited by fog that hid the top section of The Pyramid. Fortunately, it did not hide our views of the world's only Chatham Island Albatross colony. After several circumnavigations, with heartfelt commentary from Mike and Peter, we continued north to South East Island.

Following an early lunch, we boarded the Zodiacs in summertime conditions. Along the kelp fringed shore Chatham Island Shore Plovers, Oystercatchers, Shags, Pipit and New Zealand Fur Seals were easy to see. One very obliging Buller's Albatross posed at sea for all, and Little Penguins were observed by some. Looking above the rocks into the bush edge rewarded us with fleeting views of Parakeets, Tomtits, and the luckiest few even observed the critically endangered Black Robin.

After our Zodiac adventure, we boarded Heritage Adventurer to cruise around the coast of Pitt Island. The voyage was narrated by one of our guests, Ruka, who grew up on Pitt Island and resides on the Chatham Islands. We also enjoyed narration by Hamish on geology, and Mike on birding. Especially touching was passing Mangere and Little Mangere Islands as Mike told us the history of the saving of the Black Robin - including efforts by his father, Brian Bell, and Aaron's father, Rodney Russ - as the Captain safely navigated us close to the rugged cliffs.

The briefing program was pushed forward a bit so that we could join the search for the rare Magenta Petrel/Tāiko after dinner. Unfortunately, as we arrived on Deck 8 the fog rolled in.

Images © C. Finch, Heritage Expeditions