26 Jan 2022

Enderby Island Turns on an Unforgettable Day

Today we experienced a beautiful, wildlife-rich day on Enderby Island tempered with showers one minute and sunshine the next. Hooker's Sea lion pups raced around and play-fought in little creches on Sandy Bay, except for one unfortunate pup which was gruesomely dispatched by Giant Petrels. Red-crowned Parakeets fed on nettle seeds behind the foreshore, oblivious to our presence and we ate lunch in the low, twisted rata forest, the understory a sea of bright green rhubarb-like Macquarie Island cabbage (Stilbocarpa polaris). Their concave leaves holding cupfuls of crimson rata blossoms.

Making our way to the northern cliffs the Bulbinella rossi put on a spectacular display in a carpet of golden blooms studded by large globes of pink Anisotome latifolia flowers which were both striking and fragrant. At the cliffs three Light-mantled Sooty Albatross flew repeated circuits at eye level completely captivating us while their grey fluff-ball chicks sat quietly on adobe nests on the cliff ledges below. Back on board Spirit of Enderby, there was much lively discussion as the events of the day were relived over pre-dinner drinks before another excellent meal courtesy of our talented chefs was enjoyed.

Image © C.Todd, Heritage Expeditions