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It’s winter down here for sure now, and winter in Kaikoura , on the coast of South Island north of Christchurch, means one thing, albatrosses! I took a lot of photos but today I’ll just be sharing the ones of the Buller’s Albatross , Thalassarche bulleri , known here as the Buller’s Mollymawk.
The species ranges widely across the Pacific, as its scientific name suggests, from the Revillagigedo Islands off Mexico to the Japanese Bonin Islands to New South Wales in Australia. In the air you can see the wedged tail that gives the species its name. I’ll do a post on this special little shearwater later on.
In particular the South Island destination of Kaikoura is world-renowned for the flocks of albatrosses and giant petrels floating right off the pelagic boat, and the ease of the trip makes it a must-visit for any visiting birder. It is also restricted as a breeder to the north of North Island.
Westland Petrels are endemic breeders to New Zealand, and an attractive large black seabird. It is one of several species of Procellaria petrels found in New Zealand, and several more that are found in the southern hemisphere. Westland Petrel ( Procellaria westlandica ). Westland Petrel with Cape Petrel behind.
One of my ambitions for this year is to do more birding around New Zealand, and in particular try and knock off a few of the possible species here I haven’t seen yet, perhaps with a mind to breaking 100 species here in a year. Without an albatross how could I torment Corey? A White-capped Albatross! Take that Corey!
Finally in 1799, the first visitors on this volcanic land were a group of French seal hunters who were after the fur seals that can be found hauled out on the beaches for fur and oil, which almost wiped out the local population of the species. About half of all breeding Wandering Albatross nest on the Prince Edward Islands.
That made me wonder why someone would put so much energy into a species that is regular in New York and not a lifer. As of Friday, 11 May, Anthony had already seen 283 species in New York State, a blistering and likely record-setting pace ( Richard Fried is the current record-holder with 352 species seen in 2011 ).
Humboldt and Del Norte Counties offer top-knotch birding, and a suite of species that can’t be found in the rest of the state. Hawaiian Petrel has become an annual visitor in recent years, and albatross are more abundant in this part of the state. There are plenty of desert species to see here as well. Arcata, CA.
All birds are equal on this list; parking lot birds or pelagic species, breeders or fly-overs, all will be accorded the same status and each shall be worth 1 credit on the list. White-capped Albatross – Thalassarche cauta. Black-footed Albatross – Phoebastria nigripes. Motuara Island. 25 Mar 2016. 27 Aug 2016.
All birds are equal on this list; parking lot birds or pelagic species, breeders or fly-overs, all will be accorded the same status and each shall be worth 1 credit on the list. White-capped Albatross – Thalassarche cauta. Clark’s Grebe – Aechmophorus clarkii. San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary. 01 Jan 2016.
All birds are equal on this list; parking lot birds or pelagic species, breeders or fly-overs, all will be accorded the same status and each shall be worth 1 credit on the list. White-capped Albatross – Thalassarche cauta. Black-footed Albatross – Phoebastria nigripes. Motuara Island. 25 Mar 2016. 27 Aug 2016.
Despite recording 370 species during the month, the list total has advanced by just 45. Just to confuse things a little, only 14 new species were recorded since June 1 st. White-capped Albatross – Thalassarche cauta. As at June 30 th , it stands at 1796. Little Penguin – Eudyptula minor. Motuara Island. 25 Mar 2016.
All birds are equal on this list; parking lot birds or pelagic species, breeders or fly-overs, all will be accorded the same status and each shall be worth 1 credit on the list. White-capped Albatross – Thalassarche cauta. Clark’s Grebe – Aechmophorus clarkii. San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary. 01 Jan 2016.
All birds are equal on this list; parking lot birds or pelagic species, breeders or fly-overs, all will be accorded the same status and each shall be worth 1 credit on the list. White-capped Albatross – Thalassarche cauta. Greater Flamingo – Phoenicopterus roseus. Dor-ha-Bonim Beach Reserve. 13 Feb 2016. 25 Mar 2016.
All birds are equal on this list; parking lot birds or pelagic species, breeders or fly-overs, all will be accorded the same status and each shall be worth 1 credit on the list. White-capped Albatross – Thalassarche cauta. Greater Flamingo – Phoenicopterus roseus. Dor-ha-Bonim Beach Reserve. 13 Feb 2016. 25 Mar 2016.
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