OCEANITIDAE (Austral Storm-Petrels)
OCEANITIDAE (Austral Storm-Petrels)
Wilson's Storm-Petrel (Oceanites oceanicus) — These humble wanderers embark on cross-equatorial migration from Antarctic breeding grounds. Despite their tiny size, they are among the most widespread birds on the planet. Yet, they remain largely unseen, living much of their lives far from human view, skimming the ocean’s surface with an almost magical grace.
Their migration stands as one of the great feats of avian endurance. After breeding along the coasts of Antarctica and the subantarctic islands during the austral summer, they journey northward into the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Barely the size of a swallow, these remarkable seabirds travel thousands of kilometers, riding the ocean winds with astonishing agility.
20/10/24 & 16/11/24 - Images captured from Southport Pelagic (QLD - AU) as the birds were on route south.