Cook Strait Seabirds

[AlfieB77]

Hello everyone, I am about to on the interislander ferry to Picton and back, and I was wondering if anyone would be able to tell me what species to look out for and/or some tips on how to ID them. (I am a bit rubbish at identifying seabirds) thank you!

[Oscar Thomas]

Quite a few New Zealand bird guides available in libraries and book shops will be your friend on trips like these. I’m my experience the key ones to learn there are the Royal Albatrosses, White-capped Albatross, Salvin’s Albatross, Northern Giant Petrel, Cape Petrel, White-chinned Petrel, Sooty Shearwater, Fluttering Shearwater and Fairy Prion.

[AlfieB77]

Thanks, I do have a book on seabirds but it doesn’t give much info on the cook strait

[Jim Kirker]

Ebird might be worth a look too, and should show any seasonal changes.

https://ebird.org/newzealand/hotspot/L555167

[Wrybill]

yeah im going on the cook strait ferry on the 14th and back again on the 18th

there would be lots but the birds tend to like rough weather.