tiabunna's photos

Enderby Island has one of the main colonies of Hooker Sea Lions. We were not permitted ashore here, so (see inset notes) these images and the earlier ones of the penguins were taken from the zodiacs. These Sea Lions are considered endangered, with total numbers of only about 10,000. The difference between the males and females is quite striking. Explored.

A pair of Yellow-eyed Penguins negotiating the giant kelp at the water's edge, in the Auckland Islands group. Best on black. Explored.

A fungus I found growing on Auckland Island. No idea of the ID, I just liked the shapes and colours: in any case, there is little information on the many species of fungus unique to the islands. Explored.

Many ships were wrecked on the Auckland Islands, as they lie on the 'Great Circle' sailing route from Australia to Cape Horn. This headstone in the lonely little cemetery near the failed Enderby Settlement tells its own story. More on shipwrecks and castaways here: www.teara.govt.nz/en/castaways/page-1 View on black.

The flower in the main image is from a Southern Rata tree. These form the forests on the islands. The one in the inset is a mystery. I'm no gardener, but it was near the site of the former Enderby Settlement and I suspect it may be from bulbs left at that time. Explored.

The Southern Rata trees on Auckland Island are the world's southernmost forests. They are thick, dark and gloomy. Among the ferns we spotted a brick left from the Enderby Settlement. Commenced in 1849 and intended to operate as a base for whaling and agricultural operations, it was a total failure and closed in 1852 with the buildings removed, leaving little other than a small cemetery. The full story is here: www.teara.govt.nz/en/subantarctic-islands/page-5 View on black.

An immature Hookers Sea Lion stops visiting tourists as it becomes territorial about 'its' beach on Auckland Island. The dark coat and mane show this is a male. These sometimes are known as New Zealand Sea Lions. Another earlier image in the note. View larger on black. Explored.

The World Heritage listed Auckland Islands archipelago lies about 500km south of New Zealand. It is over 600sq km and is uninhabited apart from a few visiting scientists (and very occasional tourists). This was taken as we entered Port Ross, with rain showers in the distance. Earlier, as we passed Carnley Harbour further south, I took the image in the note.

The main image and the first in the notes are of a Grey-backed Shy Albatross. The next note shows that one and a somewhat larger (but still immature) Wandering Albatross - also seen in the final note. These should be enough to satisfy most Ancient Mariners. :) I should note that these images tested the Lumix and its 430mm (equivalent) zoom to the limit, particularly as I have still needed to crop somewhat.