As we leave New Zealand we see numerous seabirds like gannets and petrels but as we get further from land, encounters are less frequent. A few hundred miles north, we sometimes see Albatross. This pair of Royal Albatross circled our boat for a while. Always a treat!

This albatross flew around our boat for several miles. Such a treat to see one up close.

His white feathers reflected the golden light at sunset.
Welcome Swallow

This Welcome Swallow spotted Whistler as a rest stop. It hung out on the lifelines and tried to come in the cockpit, even threatening to fly into the cabin. Then suddenly, it was off again, flying low, barely above the surface of the waves. This was not the first Welcome Swallow to visit Whistler on passage. How do these birds survive out here, hundreds of miles from land?

A Monty Out-Take: As we approach the islands, Monty looks forward to the warmer weather as the boobies start to show up!

To follow up, this Boobie arrived at South Minerva Reef one day. He must have been blown off course in a gale. The nearest land is more than 150 to 200 miles away. He would fly around and then rest on the water, being carried by the current passed our boat several times.

An immature Masked Boobie. Thanks to Daryl L. for identifying him.