Hello all (but particularly Tasmanian birdos),
While on the UTAS School of Zoology field excursion at Fortescue Bay, Tasman Peninsula, Tasmania on the weekend, I was shown some photos of what I believe is probably a Brown Booby on the Hippolyte Rocks (Date was Saturday 2nd April). Brown Boobies are very rare in Tasmania….. (no sniggering). Actually, I am wondering if they have been seen in Tas before, I don’t have access to the necessary literature at the moment to check on this.
I haven’t seen the bird in person and the photos were distant (I’m awaiting copies) but I don’t believe it was an immature gannet. Unfortunately I was busy showing students honeyeaters and thornbills and didn’t get the opportunity to go on a boat trip to see the Hippolytes!
I just thought I would mention it straight away in case anybody was super keen to add a Brown Booby to their Tas list.
Cheers
Mick