I participated in a transect-related pelagic seabird assessment as part of a Bird Life SA conservation and research initiative conducted in association with the Department of Science & Technology.

Broad-billed Prion

Although photographic distances were challenging at the best of times, coupled to gale force winds and rough seas in line with the ‘roaring forties’ and ‘screaming fifties’ of the higher latitudes, I managed to secure a selection of representative images taken within SA’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) but hardly ever recorded on one of the regular pelagic birding trips off Cape Point.

White-headed Petrel

Kerguelen Petrel

Grey Petrel

Atlantic Petrel

Antarctic Petrel

Sooty Albatross

Note from Marie-Louise: Patrick saw 8 lifers on this trip of which 4 were in Southern African waters, so brought his SA lifelist up to 884! A few more still needed ….

For more info on pelagic birding and other birding in Southern Africa, contact Patrick or Marie-Louise on info@avianleisure.com or browse our website www.avianleisure.com