A group of ANN Field Naturalists 2016, visited “The Abrolhos”. The Abrolhos is sited in a sanctuary and the waters surrounding the islands are protected. The trip included the history of the Abrolhos – the shipwreck Batavia and the mutineers. Activities such as snorkelling, fishing, glass bottom boat viewing, visiting islands and rock pooling were included.
Some of the islands are breeding grounds for different bird species such as Lesser & Brown Noddys, Terns, Ospreys, Cormorants and Sea Eagles. Many birds nest on beaches, be on the lookout for eggs as they are easily trodden on. Sea Lions were spotted on the islands and close to shore. Refrain from getting too close to all birds and animals and avoid being between parents and their babies. Sit or kneel when taking photos so that you are not a threat and you will go home with some great memories.
I indicated that I would love to see a whale close up. One day, whilst sailing between the islands we had a fantastic encounter with a whale – just beyond the bow that also came up to the side of the boat. A WOW moment! Not to be outdone, a pod of dolphins decided to put on a live show surfing, jumping and bumping each other just below the bow and to the stern of the ship. Whales are rather slow in comparison to surfing dolphins. Neither are easy to photograph as it is extremely difficult to judge where they will surface and on a boat that is rocking side to side/up and down. For me, this was the highlight of the trip.
Marilyn
ANN 