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Español Once more I am in the sub-Antarctic, back at South Africa's Marion Island in the southern Indian Ocean. Unlike earlier in the year, this time I am here for a week only, continuing with my research into the island group's human history.
A short walk yesterday to stretch my legs after the long ship journey enabled me to photograph two ACAP-listed species. Southern Giant Petrels Macronectes giganteus, most likely all males, were busy with a Southern Elephant Seal Mirounga leonina carcass on Trypot Beach. The trypot that gives the rocky beach its name is a historical reminder of the exploitation of seals that took place on the island up until 1930.
Round the corner a Wandering Albatross Diomedea exulans mother and chick watched me as I paused to take their picture, keeping my distance so as not to disturb them unduly. A second chick has its nest right next to a low mound that marks the grave of Joseph Daniels, who drowned off the island when a ship's boat overturned in heavy surf on 29 January 1948. The grave is unmarked at the moment while a new cross is made.
The Northern Giant Petrels M. halli have started to lay at Marion, but in accordance with the island's management plan I gave them good space, detouring around occupied nests and so did not take their photographs this time.
My visits to Marion Island are supported by the DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University and the South African National Antarctic Programme, Department of Environmental Affairs.
John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 13 August 2010