Great Shearwater
Ardenna gravis
Status:
Annual spring/summer passage migrant from South Atlantic and Sub-Antarctic breeding grounds. Usually seen May to July. Can be abundant in the right conditions, often several hundred per hour counts with a maximum estimate at 1800 birds in a single hour Birds will often approach boats for food and are easily attracted during spring pelagic offshore trips.
Local Habitat:
Mainly pelagic, but can be seen easily from shoreline viewpoints at Devonshire Bay, Spittal Pond and primarily Cooper's Point. Starving birds rehabbed annually. Can be occasionally seen flying over the island, especially at night.
Habits:
Mainly pelagic.
Commonly Seen:
Ocean environment around the island, South shore viewpoints, primarily Cooper's Point.
