From time to time, as things happen in and around French Pass and our
playground, we will add items that may interest you. Keep coming back
!!!
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Sunday, 03 January 2010 |
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The last few weeks of December saw large pods of Bottlenose Dolphin visit French Pass, d'Urville Island and Admiralty Bay. At this time of year the dolphins are feeding on red cod. Several evenings saw many dolphins enjoying the turbulent waters of the French Pass, leaping and playing.
We were visited by Australian Young Adventurers in their quest for adventure. They too enjoyed the show put on by the dolphins as well as a seal swim.
Seal pups have now hauled out on surrounding islands keen to play with any swimmer that passes by.
The weather has shown itself to be changeable. Sunsets mystical as the low cloud decends over d'Urville Island and surrounding hills.
Little Blue Penguin are on the water working local waterways for food along with Pied, King, Little and Spotted shag.
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Saturday, 12 December 2009 |
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A cooler November has seen a late arrival of summer species, kingfish and snapper. Dusky, Common and Bottlenose Dolphins have been present. The windy weather has bought Fairy Prion, Giant Petrel, Flesh-footed shearwater and other seabirds within viewing distance of French Pass.
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Wednesday, 11 November 2009 |
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New Mini Theatre
French Pass Sea Safaris has opened a new theatre to showcase local film of wildlife. The new sony high definition screen does justice to a collection of unique film of the spectacular French Pass, dolphins, seals and seabirds. Experience the 'best kept secrets' of this beautiful area. The DVD showcasing four local films is now available for purchase.
Bottlenose & Dusky Dolphins
Dusky dolphins have been seen working in 'The Current Basin' in the early evening as the sun sets. Small pods are still passing through. Bottlenose Dolphins have been visiting and showing their acrobatics with giant leaps.
King Shag & other seabirds
King shag are being seen more regularly on the 'banks' in the French Pass. Giant Petrel have been regular visitors with Sooty shearwater and Flesh-footed shearwater. Juvenille Pied Shags are leaving the nest and White-fronted Tern are on the nest. Visitors have regularly seen the NZ Falcon on the drive down to French Pass.
A cold month
The October and November water temp has been colder than normal making seasonal changes late for some species.
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Seasonal Movement of wildlife |
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Sunday, 04 October 2009 |
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The rare NZ Falcon flew low over walkers to the lookout and has been heard and seen daily over the last few weeks.
Dusky dolphin have been bait-balling and working with seabirds. Australasian Gannets, Flesh Footed and Fluttering Shear-waters, Terns and Gulls.
A pod of 11 orca travelled through French Pass in a NE direction to the wonderment of a group of guests on a Wildlife and Discovery Tour. They slowly cruised under the boat and paused to listen to the excited response of guests. The pod consisted of several bulls, females, juveniles and calves.
The early morning spring migration of spotted shags continues in a NE direction through the French Pass as the birds head for nesting.
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Tuesday, 08 September 2009 |
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The changing of seasons and moving into spring has bought a new visitor. A Southern Right whale to the bays just south of French Pass. Latest reports show a steady increase in Southern Right numbers with breeding taking place in the Islands south of New Zealand. We have also enjoyed regular sightings of Bottlenose Dolphins in transit through French Pass. An albino (white) Bottlenose has been sighted and filmed in nearby bays. If you see this dolphin give the Department of Conservation a call as they are interested. |
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