Lord Howe Island Nature Tours

naturalist • tour guide • author • photographer • museum curator • researcher

Ian's Blogg

See 2008 blog.

Eighteen people took part in Bird week Lord Howe Island that was held March 2010.

As well as the birds, all members were enthusiastic learning about the Island’s geology, flor and marine life. The warm water invited many snorkelling ventures, including two boat trips in the lagoon.

A highlight for many was the pelagic cruise to Ball’s Pyramid. Good sea conditions allowed the group, in two trips, to visit the spectacular Ball’s Pyramid and get the best seabirds. Stopping short of the Pyramid we berleyed up dozens of Flesh footed shearwaters, about 12 White bellied storm petrels and several Kermadec petrels cruised round then boat. One of the groups had a rare sighting here – a juvenile Long tailed Jaeger, which circled the boat about 8 times, giving all a good look and an opportunity for some great photos. This is the 3^rd record of this species- the last was on the same cruise during Bird week 2002. The weather was very favourable throughout the tour, and all participants enjoyed seeing the best of Lord Howe Island birds. The Red-tailed tropicbirds were putting on dazzling displays at Malabar and the Old Gulch; the return of the Providence petrels in the afternoon at Little Island was dazzling, and the White terns around the settlement were still feeing chicks of all ages.

For 2010 and 2011 tour dates.

	Bird Week Group
	Long tailed jaeger
	Red-tailed tropicbird
	White bellied storm petrel
	Providence petrel