16 Dec 2023
A bounty of wildlife at the Bounty Islands
Our Birding Down Under adventure was off to an early start, as Expedition Leader Aaron Russ announced the 0630 departure for a Zodiac cruise at the Bounty Islands.
We arrived on time and found conditions about as favourable as possible - albeit with the swell still present.
Despite some challenging weather conditions, this was an astounding morning no matter how you look at it. We have been in some superb wild places on this voyage - with more to come - but most of us would put the Bounty Islands at the top of the list. The scattered islands of rock with intricate passages between them would be fantastic enough, but they are just the start, as there is so much wildlife here too. Add swarming Salvin's Albatross in the clouds with chicks on ledges below; New Zealand Fur Seals in huge numbers with pups everywhere and Erect-crested Penguins on the rocks coming and going. Fulmar Prions showed their beauty as they soared high above us, joined by assorted Shags, Giant Petrels and more.
All that before breakfast. We were grateful to Aaron for the early start! The afternoon was spent watching the sea go by observing Dusky Dolphins, a pod of four Sperm Whales and birds galore.
The day ended with all ready to continue our grand adventure.
Images © C. Finch, Heritage Expeditions
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