Australia - 25 - White Sandy Island (Easter Group, Abrolhos Islands)

Monday, 24 April 2023

Our last day on the ship was windy and blustery. We visited a very tiny island - only 150 m (500 ft) long - off the northern end of the larger Rat Island. It was difficult to believe that it wasn't completely submerged during high tide, although it was clear that it did remain above sea level.

Wind and currents canceled our last day of snorkeling, but we had an interesting visit to the island nonetheless.

Immediately upon landing, we were greeted by a group of sea lions sleeping on the beach. Obviously, we had to keep our distance, and that could be a challenge on such a small island.

A young sea lion was wailing for its mama - finally meeting success.

A sea lion comes ashore.

At first we thought this sea lion was bleeding, but it became apparent that the reddish stain in the water was poop, not blood.

Lots of sea birds were also on the island.The black and white bird is a Pied Oystercatcher. The bird at the left is probably a Great Crested Tern, while the small birds in the foreground are Roseate Terns.

Roseate Terns with their pale pink breasts in the foreground. The Great Crested Tern in the background has its feathers ruffled by the strong wind.

An unidentified tern coming in for a landing.

Smaller birds lined up on the beach.

The end of the island and threatening clouds.

The Caledonian Sky and a Zodiac ferrying passengers between the beach and the ship.

By the time we got back aboard the ship, the wind had increased, and sailing was generally unpleasant in rough seas. Some afternoon activities were cancelled, and others were poorly attended. We stayed in our cabin and watched the concluding slide show on the cabin television.