Sydney Pelagic

Wandering albatross juv

 On Saturday morning I travelled out of Sydney on a Halicat pelagic, unfortunately it was the only one during my stay as I would love to go out again! It started great with 2-3 humpback whales just out side the harbour,  1 breaching right out of the water. Wandering, shy, yellow-nosed, black-browed and cambells all seen really well. I took out the sketch book briefly but I quickly felt a little queasy and gave up.

Shy albatross

Shy albatross's were constantly around the boat, following us almost back into Sydney harbour. 

Cambells albatross

Black-browed out numbered Cambells but there were still plenty to be seen during the trip. I havn't edited or cropped any of these images, the birds were at arms lenght at times, and the light was stunning for most of the trip.

Black-browed albatross

Hard to know how many were around the boat during the day, had 22 sitting on the water when we reached the deep water shelf with many more circling around. Beautiful birds and hopefully it won't be so long before I see them again.

Short-tailed shearwater

We had a few shearwaters during the day, but the only one to come close was a single short-tailed. It sat on the water just off the boat and allowed it's pale claws be seen to confirm it's identity! 

Fairy Prion

Several prions were around the boat for most of the trip, only rarely would they come close enough for a photograph. Obvious against a dark sea, they disappeared completely when looking against a lighter background.