Mutton Bird Island Nature Reserve

Sunday arrived with sunshine and a wonderful mild temperature so it was perfect for a quick visit to Mutton Bird Island. We parked the car at the end of the jetty overlooking the trawler fleet and walked along the man made causeway that has been constructed between the island and the mainland to create a safe harbour. We passed the large and expensive looking yachts and pleasure craft and the fishing charter boats and tourist boats to reach the steep climb on to Mutton Bird Island.

When we saw just how steep the track was we did hesitate - but determination got the better of us and off we went - but slowly! It was encouraging to encounter younger people struggling! That made me feel a lot fitter!

Looking back to take photos was a good excuse to stop for a breather! So I have quite a few pictures.

I also used my son's hard drive camcorder to take some shots so I should be able to make up a little video once I am home.
There is actually not a lot to see on this "island" the mutton birds or "shearwaters" come out at night time, during the day they are snuggled down inside earth burrows. The young birds have hatched by now and will leave in April so they should have lost most of their fluff by now - the parent birds are supposed to return to feed the young in the evening and find their offspring with lots of whistling by parent and young. Since the island is shut to the public in the evening, I don't think anyone except the rangers who do a head count and put rings on the young, ever see the birds! We were only able to see a few of the holes that were near to the concrete track.

There are no trees on the "Island" so really there is little point in making the trip - except that the view back to Coffs Harbour is second to none! It took my breathe away.

We feel so lucky to have been able to visit Mutton Bird Island on a perfect day - and with such beautiful clouds to make the sky look good.

AJ