Hello all. I’ve just been down to the waterfront at Shorncliffe (Brisbane) to see what the storm has blown in. There are several Sooty Terns in the mouth of Cabbage Tree Creek at the moment, fighting against the wind. More interesting than that however, is what appears to be a Booby roosting in mangroves on the other side of the creek. It would be nice if some Brisbane birder with some decent optics could check it out. It is directly opposite the intersection of Friday street and Allpass Parade. It doesn’t look like a Brown Booby and it’s the wrong time of year for Gannets, which leaves Red-footed!
Cheers Steve Murray
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Hi Stephen,
I was down at Sandgate esplande this morning and saw many Sooty Terns, several Black Noddys and a booby at close range. I wasn’t aware that Aust.Gannets aren’t around at this time of the year but that’s what it looked like and I assumed it to be. However, I’ve checked my field guide and it definetly wasn’t a Masked and I didn’t see any red feet so it’s a mystery.
Thanks Greg. Yes, I wouldn’t rule it out just on that, although I’ve never seen one at this time of year. I’ve also never seen one sitting in a tree, but in this weather I wouldn’t be surprised to see an emu sitting in a tree. I just think there is way too much white around the head and neck, and breast for it to be a gannet. Hopefully it might be still hanging around tomorrow. Cheers Steve
Hi Greg & Rob
Obviously further south, but we had 4 Australasian Gannets seen on the Port Stephens pelagic on the 20th January. Both adult and immature were seen.
Dick Jenkin
Hi Stephen,
I wouldn’t rule out Australasian Gannet on season as some young birds remain after the adults have flown off to their breeding grounds in New Zealand.
Regards
Greg Dr Greg. P. Clancy Ecologist and Birding-wildlife Guide PO Box 63 Coutts Crossing NSW 2460 0266493153 0429601960
Conditions have deteriorated to the extent that I wouldn’t recommend anyone coming down to Shorncliffe at the moment. In any case there is very little visibility across the creek now. I have had another look at the bird. It has white around the head, neck and shoulders, and dark colouration over the wings. The bill appears grey or blue-grey. There is no dark mask around the face. I am leaning towards Red-footed Booby but my views have been pretty poor. Cheers Steve Murray