I have just returned from my annual pilgrimage to Kiama, attempting, and failing as usual, to see a White-necked Petrel. This was my 23rd attempt.
Again, I benefitted from being driven to Kiama by Ken Haines (thanks, Ken!) so while the main purpose of the trip was a total failure, we did have some fun birding along the way.
We spent the first night, as on our previous trip, at the Glenrowan Caravan Park, to admire the Turquoise Parrots. They were still there, in big numbers, although they did not show themselves until dusk and, had it been my first view of these gorgeous parrots, it would have been very disappointing to see them in the half light.
The next day we had lunch at Fitzroy Falls and I had no regrets that I had deleted this site from the second edition of 100 Best Birdwatching Sites in Australia. The falls were spectacular, of course, but the countryside was extremely dry and the birds appeared to be non-existent. After lunch we drove on to Bomaderry and visited Bangalee Reserve. The most interesting thing here was not the birds at all, but an enormous bunya pine.
On the following day, we started the day at Barren Grounds, as Ken was hoping to photograph Eastern Bristlebirds. I reckon I see bristlebirds here about 50% of the time. Naturally, this was one of my unsuccessful trips. I did see some beautiful red-bellied skinks, and Ken photographed some fantastic Southern Emu-wrens.
At Minnamurra Rainforest Walk ($12 parking fee) I found the walk disappointingly steep. Nevertheless, we saw one very vocal Superb Lyrebird, one sleepy wallaby and one very friendly water dragon. That afternoon we searched for a Black Bittern in Bomaderry, where it had recently been seen in a creek behind Emerald Drive. Consistent with the luck we were having, of course we dipped on the bittern. We did see some Variegated Fairywrens, several Common Bronzewings and one immature Nankeen Night Heron.
Then it was Saturday. Time for the pelagic. Surely my luck would change now. I had not travelled to Kiama in 2021. And they saw the bird. Of course.
I call the pelagic a total failure, and that is no exaggeration. It was, without doubt, the worst pelagic I've ever been on. As I dressed that morning, I debated with myself whether or not I'd wear my wet gear. After all, it was February, it would not be too cold. If I got splashed a little, I'd soon dry out. Luckily, my conservative nature won, and I did wear my wet gear: pants and jacket. Just as well, it was very rough, people brave enough to try to stand up on the boat were only able to stagger. As always, I remained seated, hanging on for dear life. I was sitting with my back to the spray, constantly being engulfed in freezing waves. I was very soon wet to the skin, and shivering with cold. The captain took pity on me and offered me a warm jacket. Stupidly, I said I was fine (which clearly I was not) and soldiered on. The next time he offered, I jumped at the chance. I ventured inside the cabin, something I've never done before on a pelagic, and spent the rest of the day thawing out and enjoying birdy reminiscences with fellow passengers.
Ken was as disappointed as I was at the absence of White-necked Petrels, but he did manage to photograph this handsome Buller's Albatross (above) and this cooperative Fluttering Shearwater (below).
I plan to return to Kiama next February, to try again for my White-necked Petrel, but I do wonder, how many times is it statistically possible to dip on a bird that is officially classified as seen frequently?
