One of the most streamlined sea-bird that inhabit our coastal islands as far south as the Great Barrier Reef is the Red-tailed Tropic Bird.
Its immaculate white plumage with a few pieces of black, plus the red beak and two long red feathers coming from its tail, make it a unique species.
My first encounter with them was on a holiday to Lord Howe Island many years ago.
They were nesting on the cliff on the northern part of the island but could be seen gliding through the air on the wind currents.
We went out to the cliffs but they were so steep, I realised that I wouldn’t be able to get close enough for good shots.
Some years later, on Lady Elliot Island, a few of these Tropic Birds were nesting around the shore line. Some of the babies had already hatched and were sitting on the grass waiting for their parents to bring food.
One interesting nest was under driftwood-like cover and the parent was sitting out the front to protect the chick which can be seen poking its head out from behind the tree on the right.
On a holiday at Norfolk Island, one of the locals told me of a place on the island which Red-tailed Tropic Birds frequented.
He warned me that the wind was always very strong and to be very careful if I went out to the point.
He hadn’t exaggerated because the moment I left the shelter of the trees, the wind was so strong, I could hardly keep my footing much less hold the camera steady to take photos.
I had to sit on the ground, and wrap one arm around the concrete post that held the sign with Point’s name on it.
