24 Nov 2019

Erect-crested Penguins, Parakeets and Fur Seals at Antipodes Islands

We knew the weather was going to turn by mid-morning, so we steamed Spirit of Enderby towards Antipodes Islands ensuring enough time for a Zodiac cruise of these rugged Subantarctic Islands. Erect-crested Penguins were soon seen covering the rocks and rafting up in the water.

The local parakeets were a little more elusive, but in the end both the Antipodes Parakeet and Reischek's Parakeet had been ticked off while the sub-species of New Zealand Pipit seemed to be everywhere along the waterline.

Once all the birds had been found we were able to enjoy the cruise a little more with exploring sea caves and watching New Zealand Fur Seals among the highlights. As the winds started to pick up we returned to the warmth of our trusty expedition vessel and cruised the shore for a few hours watching Grey Petrels and Wilson's Storm-petrels among the other sea birds. Lunch was served and we departed for the Bounty Islands and, hopefully, better weather.

Image from file © S.Howell, Heritage Expeditions