Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Campbell Island - New Zealand (Day 2 and Return)



Campbell Island Teal. Thought to be extinct until rediscovered in 1975
We did another day of separate activities. Susan decided on a six mile hike to the top of Mt. Honey for 360 degree views of the island. First up though, was another life bird -- stunning views of the Campbell Island Teal.  Making it even more special, it was shown to her zodiac boat by Rodney Russ, the re-discoverer of what was thought to be an extinct species. Yes, this bird was thought to be extinct until a few were discovered on an off shore islet in the 1970s. Very special. We saw the islet on our hike the previous day, and it was a small step-sided chunk of rock. We were impressed that anyone would want to go there, and could get on and off it. The New Zealand government took the teal into a captive breeding program and after the main Campbell Island was cleared of predators reintroduced them. It is a stunning flightless duck. 

Then up the mountain. Most of it wasn't even a route just cross county where several new species of flowering plants were found. A fun hike that most years can’t even be attempted due to weather.  The views from the top were impressive, Campbell Island, a few islets, and a whole lot of empty ocean.














The top of Mt Honey is up there somewhere














That tiny white dot way down there is our ship


Susan on the top of Mt Honey










The view from Lyall Col Saddle
Bob headed up the boardwalk to Col Lyall Saddle. This 4 mile round trip was entirely on a New Zealand Department of Conservation constructed boardwalk to a beautiful scenic overlook. Nesting Light-mantled Sooty and Southern Royal Albatross were the birds of the hike. The megaherb flowers and grand vistas along the way were incredible as well.






Calm water for the landing
The route to Lyall Col on the ridge above




Looking back toward the ship from the ridge

The boardwalk



Australasian (New Zealand) Pipit


Australasian (New Zealand) Pipit


Light-mantled Sooty Albatross


Light-mantled Sooty Albatross


Silvereye


Southern Royal Albatross


Southern Royal Albatross














Back on the ship for lunch we started the long day and a half journey back to the southern main island port of Bluff. On the way back the seas were light to moderate and the pelagic bird and mammal photography was outstanding. 


Black-bellied Storm-Petrel


Buller's Albatross


Black-browed (Campbell) Albatross


Black-browed (Campbell) Albatross


Black-browed (Campbell) Albatross


Black-browed (Campbell) Albatross colony on the cliffs of Campbell Island


Black-browed (Campbell) Albatross


Black-browed (Campbell) Albatross


Black-browed (Campbell) Albatross


Cape Petrel


Northern Royal Albatross


Salvin's Albatross


Southern Royal Albatross


Southern Royal Albatross


White-chinned Petrel


Yellow-eyed Penguin


Yellow-eyed Penguin
Dusky Dolphin


Dusky Dolphin


Dusky Dolphin


Dusky Dolphin


Dusky Dolphin

It was a stunning day with some sun and very little wind. These conditions are very rare this far south, and a great ending to our time on the sub-antarctic islands.