Tasman Island Cruise - Birds

After we saw the Black Faced Cormorant, above, as we were leaving Port Arthur, we rarely got close to a bird on this trip. But we did see them.



Also on the way out into the open sea, we passed this White Bellied Sea Eagle nest. The guide estimated the next had been in use for around 50 years and was the size of a queen bed.

Once at sea, we had occasion to see swarms of birds fishing and diving. The dark birds here are Short Tailed Shearwaters also known as a Mutton Birds. These birds were once caught by the aboriginal people for their oil, feathers, and for food. Today, approximately 10,000 of them are killed in Tasmania each year. This is illegal in every state except Tasmania.

The commercial hunting season runs from the 27th of March through to the 30th of April. The recreational season runs from the 3rd of April through to the 18th of April.

The sky here ws full of them.

But, there are other birds here. Below, you see a Shy Albatross. This is a large bird, much larger than a seagull. The wingspan is about a meter.

Here is my best shot of both the Albatross and the Shearwater, caught together gliding over the water.

This albatross with the tableland in the background makes a dramatic view.