My trip to the state of Victoria is coming to a close and
the perfect way to end it was at Philip Island where I hoped to see wild Little
Penguin.
The Nobbies Visitor centre was the location that came up trumps with a
pair in a nest hole just off the boardwalk. I spied another pair in a nest box
closer to the centre.
The former pair were far more entertaining acting like an
old style weather vane one pushes its way out whilst the other stays indoors.
Looking out to sea was another impressive sight with waves
of Short Tailed Shearwater passing the round rock. I have never seen so many of
which there are over a million that nest within the confines of the national
park. The time to visit is after dusk and like the Penguins the Shearwaters
return to their burrows departing before dawn to feed in the ocean.
The Penguin Parade is a popular tourist attraction where you
can view the Penguins returning to their nest at dusk. I considered staying to
see the spectacle at around 9pm tonight but I was content with observing the
performing burrowers!
A few Australian Gannet caused the odd heart tremor showing
a white underbody against the dark belly of the shearwaters. Migratory times
must be very interesting along this coastline. I hope to see the odd Albatross
whilst in New Zealand during the autumn period!
Tomorrow at stupid o clock I return to the madness of
Melbourne and its airport on a single to Hobart Tasmania! I hope to have my tanks full for the Bruny Island endemic challenge!
No comments:
Post a Comment