Pelagic bird observing boat-trips

[Bill Wakefield, 29/10/2009]

Pelagic bird observing boat-trips from Eaglehawk Neck, Tasmania, are being run on Holiday Monday, 8 Mar 2010 and Saturday, 27 Nov 2010. There are still vacant seats available.

This is a time of year when we normally have at least 5 species of Albatross around the boat plus a good variety of petrels and shearwaters.

The route taken is generally down the coast to The Little Hippolyte then out to the Hippolyte its self. As we pass close in to the cliffs wonderful views are obtained of the Devils Kitchen, often from the inside, plus Tasman Arch and Waterfall Bay. A couple of underwater ridges that we pass over one running out from The thumbs and the other from the southern end of Fortescue Bay often cause upwellings attracting large feeding frenzies of birds, dolphins and seals. Gannets, Black-faced Cormorants, Crested Terns along with Silver, Kelp and Pacific Gulls all combining to make the spectacle. Sea Eagles are often present hunting in the area along with a Peregrine Falcon. This later species will hunt out at sea taking small petrels which it eats back at its lookout.

After a trip round the Hippolyte and a look at the Seals sleeping on the rock ledges and in the caves we then move out towards the edge of the Continental Shelf with its increase in seabird species searching for their food in the up-welling from the currents moving along its edge. During February we generally see Mako Sharks that often come up behind the boat and have a good old chew on the burley box.

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The boat is the Pauleta skippered by Jumbo (John) Males, leaving the jetty at the Blow Hole at 7:30am and returning at 4:00pm. The costs of these privately organised charters are shared equally amongst the participants and should be between $100 and $130 each.

Coffee and tea are normally available on board providing the seas are not too choppy in order to conform to Work Place Safety Standards. You should bring along sandwiches plus a cold drink just in case hot drinks can not be served. There is a toilet on board so that one does not have to restrict ones fluid intake.

Travel sickness tablets are recommended and they should be taken before boarding the vessel as they take some 20mins or more to work. When purchasing such preparations check with your pharmacist that they will not interfere with any other medication you may be taking.

It is always advisable to take waterproof clothing in case of wet weather although there is plenty of shelter for passengers and their possessions including camera gear. Binoculars will help with seeing some of the species though most do come in very close to the boat - within a few metres or less.

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Would those wishing to enquire or book seats please contact Bill Wakefield on (03) 6228 0990, or email elsandbill@iprimus.com.au .

Please note:  As Els and I will be away on Goose Is in the Flinders Group until the 29 Nov 2009, I will not be contactable till after that date.