Round 3 Norfolk Island a Bird Haven.

The Masked Booby influx was just beginning when we visited (3rd to 10th September 2025). This species is one of the first to arrive, on this occassion we were at Point Howe on the north eastern tip of the island. They just find a grassy patch and plonk down for a nest place.

I joined a small group birding tour with Margaret Christian (well known Norfolk bird expert) and we learned all about the wildlife. Margaret said that on her property they make mowing the lawn a real challenge in Spring & Summer. Other species of Petrels do the same, Black-winged Petrels nest in the garden beds and sometimes under her house. We were too early for the Petrels.

Norfolk Island is small at only 3500hectares (8,500acres) a small area to find in the middle of the Pacific for so many birds.

White Terns are also early arrivers. They look stunning flying amongst the dark green Norfolk Pines. The nest is just a place on a small pine branch no proper nest, not sure how the eggs stay put. WT are easily spotted along the waterline as they are all white with a large black beak.

Nankeen Kestrels are common residents I managed to see some hovering with great skill above the cliffs in very strong winds. A unique skill to hover in those conditions and then dive quickly for insects or other small prey.

Black Noody are spectacular fliers above the boiling surf. They have a white patch on the head and an otherwise black body.

A very peaceful looking species.

Phillip Island sits 5km to the south, its another part of an old volcanic eruption like Norfolk. It is now a National Park and is finally free of rats and rabbits. It is a critical breeding area for rare seabirds. I was hoping to go there but boat trips have been cancelled due to insurance problems. Only visited now by park rangers and researchers.

This is the closest I got to the Wedge-tailed Shearwater (the Ghost Bird), nest burrows before they arrive in big numbers. They are referred to as Ghost birds because of their low moaning calls at dusk.