Sub-Antarctic Islands off New Zealalnd & Australia 1999 No. 3

 Sub-Antarctic Islands off New Zealalnd & Australia 1999 No. 3

Our visit to the Snares

On our way to the Snares Island

Not allowed to land on the Snares, so we did a zodiac cruise around the island. The Snares are situated 209Km south-west of Bluff, New Zealand and consists of 2 rocky islands, plus five islets. They are free from introduced pests and therefore support large numbers of sea-birds.

We passed through this cave.

Very thick vegetation on the Snares

Tree Daisy - Olearia lyalli vegetation.

Part of the thick cover on The Snares.

800 Snares Crested Penguins Eudyptes robustus  were seen from a zodiac as we cruised around the Snares, as landings are not permitted on the Snares. Several colonies were seen. They almost appeared to walk down to meet us. Endemic to the Snares Island and only rarely ranges north to South Island , New Zealand, and a vagrant to Australia. Approximate population is around 25,000 and the population appears stable. Very similar in appearance to the other crested Penguins although the bare patch at the base of the bill is distinctive to the Snares Crested Penguin.

Always a lot of activity to watch at Penguin colonies. Brilliant birds.

Many of the Snares Crested Penguins were also in the sea fishing.

We also recorded three Fernbirds Bowdleria punctata belonging to the race caudata on the Snares. Since returning  it has now been split as a full specie known as the Snares Fernbird but it is also classified as vulnerable. Also recorded a single New Zealand Fantail Rhipadura fuliginosa. Also Snares Tomtit Petroica danneferdi and we saw a total of ten of the distinctive black race. Three Redpolls Carduelis flamm. were also seen.

Shore Plover Thinornis novaeseelandia One of the world's rarest shore birds, and proved to be another highlight of our trip with a minimum of nine being seen on the wave platforms on the South East Island in the Chathams. By using the zodiacs, we managed to obtain some good views.  They are endemic to New Zealand, and are considered to be endangered with a world breeding population of only 60-65

pairs.