Western Pacific Odyssey 2008 Auckland to at sea towards Norfolk Island
John Brodie-Good
Here are this year’s sightings highlights for the beginning of voyage
2, more reports will be posted as they come in from Chris Collins and
our group, live from the ship.....
1st April
WildWings pre-cruise Pelagic into the Hauraki Gulf.
New Zealand Storm-Petrel 2, very close to the boat, ‘chummed in’.
2nd April
WildWings excursion to Miranda, NZ.
In addition to hundreds of Wrybills, other highlights included 1 Red-
necked Stint, 10+ Sharp-tailed Sandpipers and the long staying
Hudsonian Godwit.
3rd April
Through the Hauraki Gulf, the voyage begins!
New Zealand Storm-Petrel, seen in the morning and the afternoon, at
least 7 birds.
Little Penguin 2
Campbell Albatross 3
White-capped Albatross 1
(Snowy) Wandering Albatross 1
(Gibson’s) Wandering Albatross 4
White-necked Petrel 2
Black-winged Petrel 3
Little Shearwater 1
White-faced Storm-Petrel 1
South Polar Skua 1
Plus good numbers of Grey-faced petrels, Grey Ternlets, Fairy Prions,
Black Petrels, Flesh-footed and Buller’s Shearwaters.
4th April
At sea, towards Norfolk Island
Kermadec Petrel 5+
Gould’s Petrel numerous
Plus more Wandering and Campbell Albatross, White-necked, Black-winged
and Grey-faced Petrels
We have a very few places left for the 2009 voyage, some availability
for 2010 and are now taking registrations for 2011 too.
Cheers
John Brodie-Good