Wildlife on Lord Howe Island

Photo: Lord Howe Island

Lord Howe Island is a paradise for birders. Although it's small, measuring just 10 km long and between 2.0 km and 0.3 km wide, 202 different bird species have been recorded on the island.

 Photo: Ian Hutton guiding a Coates Wildlife Tours group

Coates Wildlife Tours offer an eight day, accommodated tour of the island in early November each year. The tour is guided by Lord Howe Island's resident naturalist, Ian Hutton. Enjoy the fascinating sights, sounds and remarkable wildlife of the island in a small group of like-minded people. Below are just some of the highlights you can expect to enjoy on the tour. 

Photo: Red-tailed Tropicbird with chick

Eighteen species of land birds breed on the island and many more migratory species occur on the island. Many of these birds are so tame that humans can get quite close without bothering them. In early November Black-winged Petrels return to the island. A highlight is watching their courting displays, as they circle around the rock faces. Also in November, Masked Booby chicks are present in all stages of growth. On tour you'll visit the Masked Booby colony at Mutton Bird Point to see the fluffy chicks. Click to view footage of a Masked Booby chick on Lord Howe Island. Lord Howe Island is also home to its own species of woodhen.

 Photo: Sooty Tern nesting on Lord Howe Island

Another birding highlight will be your walk to Mt Eliza to see Sooty Terns, Red-tailed Tropicbirds and Black Noddys nesting. You'll also visit Balls Pyramid, a spectacular volcanic spire rising 557 m above the ocean. This is a haven for sea birds and is the only breeding location in Australia for the Kermadec Petrel.

Photo: Ficus macrophylla trees on Lord Howe Island

There's also plenty of botanical highlights to see on Lord Howe Island in November. In the mountains the colourful island plants will be beginning to bloom. The Pumpkin Tree (Negria rhabdothamnoides), a relative of the African Violet, will be in bloom. The Mountain Rose will be looking specacular, with its deep red, ‘powder puff’ flowers in dense clusters. Palms are common throughout the island, and endemic species include the Kentia (Howea forsteriana) and Curly (Howea belmoreana) palm. Banyan (Ficus macrophylla) and Panadanus trees are also very common.

 Photo: Lord Howe Island sunset

Why not join us on Lord Howe Island in 2012 to see these wildlife highlights and more? Places are limited, so book now or click to find out more.