Tuesday, 30 November 2021

Sub-Antarctic Islands off New Zealalnd & Australia 1999 No. 4

 Sub-Antarctic Islands off New Zealalnd & Australia 1999 No. 4

We continue with our trip with a visit to the Bounties, and a day with the Salvin's Albatrosses.

Arriving at the Bounties.

Rodney Russ, the Expedition leader, getting the zodiac ready.

No landings possible on the Bounties, but plenty of time
for exploring in the zodiacs.
Impressive cliffs most with Salvin's Albatross colonies.

This has to be the place to watch for Salvin's Albatrosses.


Spectular cliff scenery & Albatross colonies.


Albatrosses everywhere- an unbelievable sight.

Adults have the ashy grey hood with a whitish forecrown.
Salvin's Albatross  Thalassarche salvini belongs to the Shy Albatross Complex. Present New Zealand to Chile. Breeds mainly on the Bounties with small numbers on the Snares and Crozets. Ranges at sea in South Pacific to the Humboldt Current off Peru and Chile.
Adult Shy Albatross showing the underwing pattern with the  extensive black wing tips and all members of the Shy complex have the black notch at the base of the underwing.

Adult Salvins were quite easy to i/d from other members of the Shy Albatross complex, although the immatures were more difficult with a whiter crown and could be confused with White-capped.
One of several breeding colonies seen on the Bounties.
They proved quite aggressive after the chum.