TRIP REPORT
26 September 2004

Cliff Dorse guided a group of dedicated, albeit apprehensive, birders on a pelagic trip on the morning of the 26th of September. As we headed out of the Simonstown Harbor, we were greeted by a healthy swell, a fresh southwesterly and a pair of Southern Right Whales. The trip to the point was relatively uneventful from a birding point of view with the usual coastal species being seen. As we rounded the point the reality of the strong three to four meter swell, which was to accompany us all day, became apparent! The first few White-chinned Petrels, Sooty Shearwaters and a solitary Artic Skua were seen shortly after the point. The conditions dictated that the use of binoculars was not really an option and most on board were reluctant to let up on their firm grip on the boat! A definite highlight was a pair of Dusky Dolphins at about 10 miles, both animals giving great views as they cleared the water mere meters from the boat. The days bird tally started to grow slowly as we added Shy Albatross, Southern Giant Petrel and our first of at least 20 Soft-plumaged Petrels. The high wind speeds lent themselves to these dynamic flyers and the sight of them effortlessly cart wheeling across the horizon was a highlight for many!

We arrived at the edge of the Canyon area at about 25 miles a very large, predominantly white bird was seen sitting on the water some distance off. We turned and started in its general direction. The sea was unfortunately so choppy that we could not relocate the bird on the water. The last we saw of it was a large white backed Albatross flying directly away from us on the horizon. Viewing conditions were not condusive to identifying the bird and all we could do was to watch it effortlessly pulled away from us. No sign of any fishing vessels could be seen, either on the horizon or the radar. We proceeded to work the general area and were soon surrounded by birds. Amongst them were Pintado Petrel, Black-browed Albatross, Great Shearwater, Wilson’s Storm Petrel and Subantartic Skua. After some time a longliner was spotted on the horizon and we made a beeline for the vessel. We joined the longliner at 32 miles and were perplexed as to why there were so few birds in its general vicinity. The reason for this soon became apparent on closer look when we noticed that the line was not coming up as it should but rather as a massive tangled mess of lines, ropes and hooks. It looked more like a net that a longline! The general area was however very productive as there was a great turnover of birds. They came in to inspect the possible food source only to leave in disgust after a few close flybys! By using this tactic we enjoyed great views of most of the species mentioned above in addition to Indian and Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross as well as two Great-winged Petrels.

The homeward trip was punctuated by a single Sabine’s Gull and a Pomarine Skua. In the bay we managed to obtain good views of Bank Cormorant, African Penguin and the usual array of coastal birds.

A Big Thanks goes to the skipper, and to Cliff , who also wrote the report.Below the list of the species seen during the course of the day. The numbers reflected can be considered as rough estimations only.

Shy Albatross 50

Black-browed Albatross 30

Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross 1

Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross 1

Yellow-nosed Albatross (Immature) 1

Southern Giant Petrel 4

Northern Giant Petrel 1

Giant Petral (unidentified) 10

Pintado Petrel 25

Great-winged Petrel 2

White-chinned Petrel 80

Great Shearwater 2

Sooty Shearwater 25

Wilson’s Storm Petrel 25

Arctic Skua 1

Pomarine Skua 1

Subantarctic Skua 15

Sabine’s Gull 1

The following species were common close to the coast:

African Penguin

Cape Gannet

White-breasted Cormorant

Cape Cormorant

Bank Cormorant

Kelp Gull

Hartlaub’s Gull

Swift Tern

Cetaceans:

Dusky Dolphin 2

Southern Right Whale 3