I had terrific views of an albatross from my backyard today. It was a Shy Albatross, Thalassarche cauta. The rough seas and onshore winds brought it very close into shore - no further than 50 m at times. I watched it for around 10 - 15 minutes as it flew back an forth and between the waves, it's wings often almost touching the water.
The hill at the backyard allows for views over the house, across the road, and out to sea. In the past we have seen large pods of Bottle-nosed dolphins and Humpback Whales from the yard. While not the best seawatching vantage point, it's certainly a most convenient one and I shall have to pay more attention in future to what passes by.
While I wish I had a lens capable of capturing the moment, for now at least that is not to be. Alas, the following photo is not my own.
Saturday, 12 July 2008
Mothing - 10th July 2008
Not many moths of late as it has been rather cold and wet. Here's one from the 10th which I did not post. I have not had a chance to try to ID it. For now I will simply say it appears to be a Noctuid.
In the last shot the moth almost looks two-headed. Perhaps this is some kind of automimicry defense mechanism.
Edit: This moth turned out to be Pantydia diemeni
Dorsal view - FW18mm
Frontal view - Prominent dark mark above head
Lateral view - Wings not at rest. Antennae held under wings.
In the last shot the moth almost looks two-headed. Perhaps this is some kind of automimicry defense mechanism.
Edit: This moth turned out to be Pantydia diemeni
Dorsal view - FW18mm
Frontal view - Prominent dark mark above head
Lateral view - Wings not at rest. Antennae held under wings.
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