Lord Howe Island is one of those places that calls you back – like the deserts, the far north and the Werribee poo paddocks.
Red-tailed Tropicbird
Red-tailed Tropicbird
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Watching Red-tailed Tropicbirds from the top of Malabar Hill was a highlight of the trip as they negotiated the air currents. Weather conditions on the island could change rapidly, from balmy sunshine to tropical showers complete with rainbows.
Providence Petrel
This exquisite bird is a Providence Petrel. David Attenborough once commented that they are “extraordinarily friendly to human beings” as they respond to calls and flutter to the ground. It is definitely an extraordinary sight but I’m not sure that it is based on friendliness. My feeling is that it relates more to protecting their territory and that their extreme clumsiness on the ground meant that early settlers could enjoy an easy meal. They were ‘hunted’ to extinction by early settlers on Norfolk Island and almost suffered the same fate on Lord Howe.
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Lord Howe Island Woodhen
Canon 7D, 100-400mm L IS USM
Lord Howe Island Woodhens are flightless birds that are only found on the island which is about 700km east of Port Macquarie. They faced extinction in the 1970s with only 30 birds surviving but an ambitious and comprehensive conservation program has proved successful and several hundred birds now inhabit the island. I saw them out in the open but also hidden in near darkness as they foraged amongst the leaf litter. There are other bird species that are endemic to the island including the Lord Howe Island Golden Whistler, Currawong and Silvereye. I photographed all those species but my equipment at the time didn’t cope well with low light conditions (or my lack of experience).
Lord Howe Island
I’m not much of a landscape photographer, as you can see, but here is an idea of the view from the jetty. In 2013 I wrote several lirralirra posts about Lord Howe Island, one of which includes images taken by David (of me crazily perched on a cliff) along with my images of Red-tailed Tropicbirds. Here is the link: Lord Howe Island Tropicbirds
I’m hoping to join photographers David Burren and Michael Snedic on a trip to Lord Howe Island which is being planned for the first week in October. I’m keen to see the terns and noddies, and hopefully more Masked Boobies. If you’d like to know more about the trip check David’s website: 7 Day Lord Howe Island Birds and Nature Photography Odyssey – it’d be great to see you there!
Happy birding, Kim
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Oh Kim I adore these shots and the information! Cannot tell you how much I enjoy seeing all those birds I’ve only ever seen on TV and hear you tell about them!
Thank you Sherry 🙂
We had a wonderful time with you all last trip Kim. I must learn much more about my camera before I attempt to capture these beautiful birds though. I’d like to sign up to one of David’s photography trips though and will check out his plans for this year.
Any recommendations re accessing photography lessons ? My plan for this year !,
It was a great trip, such fun along with a very memorable boat ride! I’m always wanting to learn more as well, that’s a good idea re photography lessons. David does a great job of that too.
Hi Kim, I’ve been to nearly 50 countries but I haven’t got to Lord Howe Island but it is now on my list….thanks. Love that photo of the Providence Petrel. The bird has a vulnerable ‘look’ about it I’m glad they are protected on an island. Interesting the comments you made about their ‘friendliness’. I feel the same way about fantails. I used to think of them as friendly but then thought they are probably after the insects I disturb 🙂
I thought I’d been to a lot of places but you beat me by miles (literally)! I think the petrel looks vulnerable too. And so true re fantails 🙂
I so want to go back
Do it Julie!
I cannot understand why you would want to go back.
And yes, I am a stranger to the truth.
My eyes glowed green with jealousy as I scanned (repeatedly) through these photos.
Haha 🙂
Hi Kim
Great shots, as usual!
Yes, I would like to go back to Lord Howe too. I went as a birder, but not a photographer. It is very beautiful, and the birds are amazing!
I hope you get to go back soon with your camera Jenny, the birds really are amazing.