We are off!
We boarded the ship late morning on 24th January. It is hard to believe we are going to the sub-antarctic, as it is red hot & humid here in Durban. Just waiting for more passengers to board & then we will be off!
We departed Durban Harbour around 4.30 pm for
the open sea. On the way out we saw a Peregrine perched high on top of the dock
floodlights & an Osprey. Once in the open water a Common Tern flew by.
Great-winged Petrel
As
we steadily headed further from shore, the first of many Great-winged Petrels
were seen with a few Cory’s Shearwaters. A Shy Albatross was a bit of a
surprise this time of year & two
Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross were also noted. Then we enjoyed an early dinner
& an early night.
Sunset on the first night.
I was up early on 25th January
& sea-watched from the seventh deck. Good numbers of both Cory’s
Shearwaters & Great-winged Petrels were still around & I spotted a
Tropical Shearwater at mid distance. As the morning wore on, birds began to dry
up & it was the same story in the afternoon. Very quiet indeed, long
periods without seeing anything & then just the odd Great-winged Petrel
flew by. The afternoon was also slow going, however we did see one, perhaps two, Sperm Whales from our cabin.
Seawatching from our cabin
So far a pretty underwhelming first two days. Hoping for much better sea watching in the morning.
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