Administrator and Chief Islander visit Nightingale Island
Report and Photographs from Tristan Administrator Philip Kendall
On Tuesday 6th February, James Glass and I went to Nightingale Island, for what was my first visit there. We took a last minute decision to go, as the weather was perfect. The main reason for going was to check that the Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreak in other parts of the world had not reached our shores. I’m pleased to report that there were no signs of HPAI during our visit.
What we did see was an abundance of healthy albatross chicks and their parents, together with some cheeky seals and penguins who were on hand to great us.
There was something uniquely magical, sitting on the island with James, surrounded by albatross chicks whilst the adults soared over our heads. At that moment I realised that we were the only two humans on that beautiful island.
Sub-Antarctic Fur Seals on the rock. | A Tristan Thrush or Starchy |
Northern Rockhopper Penguins moulting on the rock - the breeding season has finished but adults need to return to land to moult as they lose their buoyancy and must fast during this time. |
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Above: A wary downy Atlantic Yellow-Nosed Albatross Left: Philip Kendall by the Nightingale Welcome Board |
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Welcome Board showing bird species found on Nightingale Island's rat and mouse-free environment. | |
Millions of these birds occupy burrows Eggs are laid in November, The species is near-endemic to the Tristan islands. |