23 Nov 2013

Campbell Capers

We anchored in Perseverance Harbour and a group of keen explorers departed for a day-long walk while a small group went off on what turned out to be a successful search for the Campbell Island Snipe. The remainder of the group spent a sunny morning Zodiac hopping around the shoreline sometimes escorted by inquisitive Sea Lions and making occasional landings. It was good to see that Campbell Island Flightless Teal, which have been re-introduced to the island are now plainly evident along the shoreline. At Camp Cove the group visited the ‘world’s loneliest tree’ and at Tuckers Cove viewed the only remnant of the old homestead – the redoubtable Shacklock stove. Both relics were kept company by basking Sea Lions who made little protest at our presence.
In the afternoon everyone climbed the boardwalk to admire the megaherbs which are just beginning to flower and see the Southern Royal Albatross nesting just below the ridgeline. One bird walked very close to some of the group and made its way to a launch point where it opened its majestic wings and took to the skies. Back on the shoreline again at the end of the day, a teal approached Samuel from the expedition team and nibbled at his fingers. A truly amazing encounter with the world’s rarest duck!