Bringing in the day's catch

The Aurora heads home from a day out on the high seas.

In her wake dozens of White Capped and Buller's Albatross trail behind like kites. Eager for the boats offal and by-catch lesser albatross like these are often associated with fishing boats. For better, or for worse.

For us it is a godsend to find these birds to show people, especially on windless days when they are lured closer to land by these boats. For some of these lesser (2.5 metre wingspan) albatross though the trawl lines of fishing boats can be deadly. Most boats now have, or can have albatross friendly equipment - an easy thing to do, and anyways didn't you ever hear what happens if you kill an albatross....