New Zealand - Stewart Island - PM Pelagic!

The afternoon began with Matt handing over to Chris from Rakia Tours who conducted the pelagic tour as well as steering the boat, chumming and providing refreshments. The journey out to sea headed along the coastline to see some of the resident coastal species.

News circulated of Bottle Nosed Dolphin just off the coast which had the boat making a short diversion to see the pod as it fed. The Dolphin came relatively close to the boat the art was to anticipate when they would surface to get the best photographic results.

Both regular species of Penguin were seen Little (Blue) and the endangered Yellow Eyed Penguin which was spotted some way out by Chris. 

The main event got into full flow once we had reached the shelf and deeper water. The chum made up of fish off cuts and skins did not take long to work its magic. The most common species present was White Capped Albatross who fought over every scrap that was thrown overboard. Buller’s were next in the pecking order with a Southern Royal Albatross making up the three species total at the boat.

Sooty Shearwater took a bit longer to brave the squabbling at the back of the boat but a few birds gave good views as the sailed past quite effortlessly! 

The species of the day Common Diving Petrel made an even briefer visit sneaking in diving re-surfacing and heading back out to sea Chris was on point as I fumbled with the camera missing the shot but not the bird! The views were good though! A Giant Petrel completing the petrels that were seen.

Along the various island coasts Spotted Shag were present along with Pied, Little and Black Shag. 

The Stewart Island Shag was seen on an outcrop further from the coast.

The Terns featured White and Black fronted both species were seen fishing and on smaller outcrops. Seals were seen in small groups on beaches completing a crazy good outing!

I have consulted Wildlife Recorder having entered all my data and the trip totals are as follows:-

Singapore: 90 species 72 Lifers
Australia: 230 species 200 Lifers
New Zealand 96 species 57 lifers**

Trip species total 377 

**NB There are several sub species included in these totals and without going through each individual species record between each search parameter allowing for duplication of species between countries it is difficult to give an accurate total. Confused I am!!

Some of the species have been challenging but with the guidance of the kindle versions of these books backed up by local information has allowed me to see many of the endemics that are possible on the mainland and adjoining islands:-

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in New Zealand with thanks to everyone who I have met and provided guidance on finding some of the trickier species. The birds I did not see I may be back one day to catch up with you!!

I will be making my way back to Perth over the next couple of days and recharging as the adventure enters another phase!