First day was on Bruny Island and we were in luck with the sunny and calm weather which made for a fantastic day. While waiting for the ferry from Kettering, we found a pair of White-faced Herons foraging in the grass near the marina.
White-faced Heron, Kettering, Tasmania |
The day's highlight was the 3 hour wildlife cruise where we managed to see Humpback Whales, Short-beaked Common Dolphins, New Zealand and Australian Fur Seals, a Southern Elephant Seal, hundreds of Short-tailed Shearwaters and a few Shy Albatross, one of which allowed us close enough for some good shots.
Shy Albatross, off Bruny Island, Tasmania |
On Friday, the fog finally lifted from Mt Wellington so we drove to the summit to enjoy one of the world's great views.
Hobart - view from Mt Wellington |
On the way back down, a brief stop at The Springs Picnic Ground was rewarded with a very tame Black Currawong.
Black Currawong, The Springs, Mt Wellington, Tasmania |
While visiting the Bob Barker (SeaShepherd.org), I found a co-operative Black-faced Cormorant at the Hobart waterfront near Victoria Dock.
Black-faced Cormorant, Hobart, Tasmania |
We spent the weekend on the Tasman Peninsula visiting the Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park, Port Arthur and Eaglehawk Neck. On our last stop at the Tessellated Pavement, I again managed to get very close to some of the locals.
Kelp Gull, Eaglehawk Neck, Tasmania |
Sooty Oystercatcher, Eaglehawk Neck, Tasmania |
In addition to these shots, we also managed to see 6 of the 12 Tasmanian endemics without even trying - what a great place! Can't wait to get back there for a dedicated birding trip.
This blog is very well written and I appreciate your efforts.. Keep up the good work holiday in Australia and want to spend a lot of time in Tasmania....:)
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