Beautiful bird sightings, January 7th, 2020
Written by Dickie Chivell, January 8 2020
Whilst we truly enjoyed sightings of some of our Marine Big 5 including our Bronze Whaler sharks and Cape Fur seals on our vessel Dreamcatcher, windy was today’s theme and the kick of the choppy water always stirrs up some life. The birds were the highlight of the day with thousands of cormorants circling a bait of fish rising in the chop. Kelp gulls inbetween them lacking the ability to dive, but therefore specialize stealing their fish. It was also very nice to see that our African penguins were able to feed in the bay for a change. The swifterns were busy with their synchronised mating flights and the Giant Petrel are looking for seals pups that wash up.
A great day out at sea for every birder and how awesome to experience the interplay of the Dyer Island ecosystem!
That dorsal fin cutting through the water!
Lots of action around the cage!
A juvenile Penguin
Is there ever too many photos of seal puppies?
Our diverse bird life on Dyer Island
Our African Penguin in between our plentyful Cape Cormorants
What species did we see today?
Bronze Whaler Shark Bronze Whaler Shark
The Bronze whaler (also known as Copper sharks) here in Kleinbaai are very curious and interactive. These sharks eat mostly fish, with sardines being one of their favourites.
African Penguin African Penguin
As one of only 17 penguin species left in the world (and the only one on the african continent), the african penguin often breed in offshore colonies, such as Dyer Island.
Cape Cormorant Cape Cormorant
One of the most famous species of Cormorant in the Western Cape, the Cape Cormorant is well known for it's beautiful turquoise eye and impressive size.
Cape fur seal Cape fur seal
With a local population of 60,000, it's no wonder our guests capture so many photographs of these wonderfully playful marine mammals.
