Shearwaters

There are five different species of shearwater that can be spotted out on the Hauraki Gulf. These are the Buller’s, Flesh-footed, Fluttering, Little and Sooty shearwaters.

These birds are canny hunters who know to follow the whales to be sure of a good meal. The whales’ feeding activity brings the fish closer to the surface, so the shearwaters can swoop down and catch them.

So if you see shearwaters feeding in in a group, there’s a good chance a whale could be nearby.