Through the mist: spot the Herald Islands and the (tiny-looking) Braveheart
Time to keep dry feet for a while longer, and catch up with what botanist Peter has been doing. He has managed to get ashore and check out the plants on most of the steep little islands that lie just offshore from Raoul, and has had a great time doing so. He has discovered something that seems to have been over-looked until now about the geology of the Chanters, Napier, Nugent and Dayrell islands – they are uplifted fossilised coral reefs. As a result the vegetation on these islands is a distinctive type known as ‘makatea’ – this kind of vegetation is found on other similar islands such as Mitiaro in the Cook Islands. This is a misty view of the Herald islands, as they are collectively known, taken from Raoul. Look closely and you might be able to see the Braveheart, and the yacht Elenya in view, too.
The little islands, which have always been rat-free, are honey-combed with seabird burrows. Here are some birds that Peter snapped as he carefully tip-toed around the soft holey ground – they are completely unafraid of people! This is a Kermadec petrel.
Kermadec petrel – completely unconcerned by the presence of people
And this is a Kermadec petrel chick, with another egg.
Chick and egg: a Kermadec petrel chick and another one in waiting
Adult red-tailed tropic birds have striking red tails.
Tropic tails: a red-tailed tropic bird
Talk about high-rise apartment living. Space is at such a premium on the islands that while some birds nest in underground burrows, others nest on the ground, and yet more roost in trees. This photo is the summit ridge of South Meyer Island.
Teeming with life – space is at a premium on South Meyer Island due to the abundance of birdlife nests can be found in underground burrows, on the ground and in trees
And finally a nearly grown masked booby chick – and the great view of Raoul Island that it’s grown up looking at.
Prime spot: a masked booby chick with some premium real estate
