Today's feathered feature is a bird that spends most of its life riding ocean winds like a tiny, silent specter: Gould's Petrel. One of Australia's rarest seabirds, this sleek little wanderer has a backstory full of conservation drama, island intrigue, and the occasional brush with tree sap (don't worry—we'll get there).
Habitat & Hangouts
Although Gould's Petrels roam the Tasman Sea with enviable ease, they nest in a very specific place: steep, rocky gullies on Cabbage Tree Island (and a smaller colony on Boondelbah Island). Imagine dense coastal forest, tangles of vines, and cliffs that would make even a mountain goat go, "Nah, I'm good."
How to Identify This Ocean Drifter
Look for:
A sharply contrasting charcoal-gray head and mantle over crisp white underparts.
Slender, swept-back wings built for soaring long distances.
Pinkish legs and a slim black bill designed for snatching squid and tiny fish from the surface.
A refined, almost dignified expression—like a professor of marine science who never smiles for photos.
Gould's Petrels are compact but elegant, and when they fly, they cut across wind currents with a distinctive shearing glide. It's mesmerizing.
Best Way to See One in the Wild
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