16 Aug 2023

Close Encounters of the Bird Kind at Ashmore Reef

Heritage Adventurer sailed through the night to the remote waters of Ashmore Reef, home to over 100,000 nesting birds. Brown Boobies and common Brown Noddies could be spotted gliding over the turquoise waters as we reached our anchorage. After a safety briefing and equipment fitting in the morning, everyone was ready for their own adventure with one group setting out for a short Zodiac cruise and snorkel, and the other embarking on a longer Zodiac cruise to observe the birds that nest on the sandy West Island.

The first Zodiacs came across two Green Sea Turtles mating, with more turtles spotted in the clear water among the corals below. Once in the shallows near West Island, large numbers of birds nesting in the sparse vegetation could be seen with guests taking in the flurry of activity with birds landing, squabbling and taking flight. Lesser Frigatebirds were the largest in the sky with their nearly 2-metre wingspan. Adult and juvenile Sooty Terns were the loudest with their calls serving as the soundtrack for our Zodiac cruise. A couple of Red-tailed Tropicbirds were also seen flying among the darker plumed birds. On the shore, several fluffy chicks could be seen waiting for their next meal. A Buff-Banded Rail was also spotted feeding at the shoreline.

Brown Boobies also sat on a moored boat Just off the island a fishing vessel which had been confiscated by the Australian Border Force vessel was now home to the birds with Brown Boobies making the most of the new real estate. Our snorkel station was soon setup, and as Phil surveyed the area with his binoculars, one Brown Boobie found his head to be the perfect perching sight. This visitor stayed on for a while, letting all the passing Zodiacs capture the special encounter.

In the water, we marvelled at the diversity of corals and vibrant fish living among them with Giant Clams and Reef Sharks observed. The clarity of the water and receding tide made every marine wonder easily visible whether you were in the water or cruising just above.

The bird watching continued as we departed from Ashmore Reef and headed back to the mainland of the Kimberley Coast. Several Masked and Red-footed Boobies were coasting on the wind as the reef was slowly revealed by the tide.

Image (c) by: D.Howes