Beachcast Seabirds Recovered at Zeally Bay, Torquay, Victoria, 1991-1993

Abstract

The number of beachcast seabirds recovered along the shoreline reflects several variables, including the abundance of seabirds present in nearby waters, their seasonal distribution at sea, rates and causes of mortality and the effects of the wind, currents, waves and tide that deposit their bodies onto the sand. These aspects are discussed in relation to the 18 species of seabirds, comprising 898 individuals, that were recovered during 140 regular beach patrols over a 2 km stretch of beach along Zeally Bay, Torquay, Victoria. The species that were recovered most often were Short-tailed Shearwater Puffinus tenuirostris, Little Penguin Eudyptula minor, Fairy Prion Pachyptila turtur and Fluttering Shearwater Puffinus huttoni, and their occurrence is examined in detail.