03 Feb 2020

Snipe, Sea Lions and Albatross on Campbell Island

Having been ship bound by 50-knot winds in Perseverance Harbour the day before, we wake early to calmer conditions and an active day's itinerary.

Those eager to really stretch their legs after 5 days on Akademik Shokalskiy departed first on the 10.5-kilometre Northwest Bay hike around Campbell Island. During their explorations of the isolated coastlines, soaring cliffs and violet blue fields of megaherb Pleurophyllum speciosum nesting Southern Royal Albatross, elusive Campbell Island Snip and their young were observed and, along the water's edge, Southern Elephant Seals, Hooker's/New Zealand Sea Lions and pups, and a Hoiho/Yellow-eyed Penguin.

Less energetic expeditioners started their day with a Zodiac cruise of the bays observing flightless Campbell Island Teal, a Campbell Island Snipe and its chick explore the shoreline, a Hooker's/New Zealand Sea Lion introducing her young pup to the water, Pipits, Antarctic Terns and Light-mantled Sooty Albatross soaring along the cliff tops as their mates called from nests requesting a change in shift, as well as a visit to the Guinness Book of Records accredited ‘loneliest tree in the world' - Camp Cove's 150-year-old Sitka spruce keeping silent sentry in the mist-shrouded bay.

Following the boardwalk to Col Lyall Saddle after lunch, expeditioners were rewarded with spectacular views over Northwest Bay and Dent Island, between the rolling mist; and enjoyed an unforgettable afternoon observing the gamming, early courtship rituals of young Southern Royal Albatross while older couples tended their nests, affectionately grooming each and more still wheeled above cruising on the strong winds.

The day done, we are now steaming north towards Stewart Island with many out on deck taking in a stunning Southern Ocean sunset and the silhouettes of our broad-winged friends in jet fighter mode skimming over the undulating water.

Image from file © Heritage Expeditions