A day trip to Michaelmas Cay

I am in Cairns at present and have finally had the opportunity to get out to Michaelmas Cay which is a sandy cay that is found in part of the Great Barrier reef. It is well known for its clear waters, snorkelling and birdwatching opportunities within easy access from Cairns. The cay is accessible either by private or commercial vessel. I chose Seastar Cruises partly because they are a family owned company operating out of Cairns and because I knew that there were other like minded birdwatchers going the same day. Thanks to Ken Cross and his group for encouraging me to tag along.

Approaching the Cay, The black line is a mass of seabirds.

We were on the Cay for about ninety marvellous minutes. Up close and personal with the birds that choose to roost and nest there. I can not even begin to count them but we saw a new Australian species for me - the Sooty Tern (#393) and possibly around 5000 or more of them in the middle of the breeding season. What a treat to see them and their courting rituals; squabbling over nesting materials; and protecting chicks from the predatory Silver Gulls.

Sooty Terns - Michaelmas Cay

Other species seen include: Common Noddy, Greater Frigatebird; Lesser Crested Tern; Crested Tern; Black-naped Tern; Bridled Tern; Black Noddy and Silver Gull.

Common Noddy

Sooty Tern

Courting ritual, Brown Booby

Sooty Tern

Brown Booby

Brown Booby and chick

Crested Terns protecting a chick

Sooty Tern

Common Noddy - portrait

Common Noddy - courting ritual