26 Nov 2022

Taking in the flora and fauna of Enderby Island

This morning we woke to views of Enderby Island, the destination of today's adventure on our 'Galapagos of the Southern Ocean' voyage. After a hearty breakfast on board our trusty expedition vessel Heritage Adventurer, we heeded the call of the wild and boarded our Zodiacs zipping across the water to Sandy Bay.

Sandy Bay was abuzz with activity and as we stepped ashore the wildlife-documentary-come-to-life-drama of the New Zealand/Hooker's Sea lion colony played out. Sea lion summer was in full swing with pups being born and Beachmasters holding their territory and harems from younger challengers as plucky Yellow-eyed Penguins/Hoiho ran the gauntlet to and from the water.

There are two adventure options here: walking across the island to the northern cliffs and continuing around the island. Splitting into our respective groups we headed off to begin exploring this fantastically diverse island.

The surrounds of the boardwalk loomed golden yellow as we made our way through the Bulbinella rossii meadow, while further around the island the Anisotome latifolia was just approaching its full glory. Light-mantled Sooty Albatross were spotted nesting on the cliffs below and Auckland Island Banded Dotterel ran about the grassy sward.

Continuing around the island, it was an impressive wall of regenerating Stilbocarpa polaris that awaited us in the east of the island, here the parakeets noisily chattered away and next to catch our attention was the flowering of the Southern Rata, while those patient were rewarded with views of the Auckland Island Flightless Teal and the elusive Auckland Island Snipe.

There was much to discuss once back on board Heritage Adventurer, making for a lively recap and well-earned dinner.

Images on file: (C) M.Potter