24 Sep 2017

2017SPRINGTRIP REPORT
Written By Scott Brooks

THE PETREL STATION TRIP REPORT

This was the inaugural Petrel Station pelagic seabird trip which left from Tutukaka and then ventured out past the Poor Knight Islands to the explore the deep trench area beyond, with 10 of us onboard for the journey.

Highlights of the trip were:

  • Approx 30 NZ Storm-Petrels – we had them, and some White-Faced Storm Petrels, hopping and flitting around the boat often just a couple of metres from us - magical.

  • 16 Albatross / Mollymawks and 7 Giant Petrels - always a majestic sight

  • Raft of approx 4,000 Bullers Shearwaters intermixed with Fluttering Shearwaters, Red Billed & Black Backed Gulls

  • Lots of Little Shearwaters

During the trip we saw 21 different seabird species, and just over 7,000 stunning seabirds in total! A fantastic day out. This was a great start to The Petrel Station seabird trips :)

If you’re interested in coming out to The Petrel Station then check out the upcoming trip dates and get in touch – it’s always a great day out.

Here’s the full trip results from the day:

Seabirds seen:

  • 6 x Wandering Albatross

  • 8 x White-capped Albatross

  • 2 x Black-browed Albatross (Campbell)

  • 7 x Northern Giant-Petrel

  • 210 x Fairy Prion

  • 9 x Cook's Petrel

  • 18 x Grey-faced Petrel

  • 6,000 x Buller's Shearwater

  • 200 x Fluttering Shearwater

  • 1 x Flesh-footed Shearwater

  • 4 x Sooty Shearwater

  • 36 x Little Shearwater

  • 30 x New Zealand Storm-Petrel

  • 8 x White-faced Storm-Petrel

  • 120 x Australasian Gannet

  • 70 x Common Diving-Petrel

  • 2 x White-fronted Tern

  • 2 x Little Blue Penguin

  • 275 x Red-billed Gull

  • 20 x Black-backed Gull

  • 25 x Pied Shag

Other marine life included:

  • 2 x Brydes Whales

  • 1 x Huge Whale Spout (possible Blue)

Scott Brooks
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