Cape Jervis

Visited: winter

Recommendation: You may be here on your way to Kangaroo Island or just having a look. Either way, the area around the ferry terminal has great possibilities from Black-faced Cormorant to Pacific Gulls.

Most people know Cape Jervis as the gateway to Kangaroo Island. Indeed the ferry terminal is the main point in the township but the whole area is stunning. The lighthouse sits about the wharf and guiding ships through the treacherous waters has been a priority for over a century. The first Cape Jervis lighthouse was built in 1871. Today, a modern concrete lighthouse built in 1972 stands on the foundations of the original one, keeping watch over the Backstairs Passage.

The waters around Cape Jervis are a haven for marine life, particularly during migration seasons. From May to November, you can hop on a boat trip to witness majestic whales, including the mighty blue whale, the largest animal on Earth. However, on a cool winters afternoon, it was the cormorants that drew me to the area, always on the look out for the Black-faced Cormorant.

To my surprise, the first bird I found in the water was a Hoary-headed Grebe. I did some research and found that they can be found in a variety of water bodies, but they primarily prefer large, open freshwater lakes and wetlands. However, they can occasionally be found in sheltered coastal seas and estuaries, particularly in winter. Anyway, I was pleased to see this uncommon waterbird.

Hoary-headed Grebe (Poliocephalus poliocephalus)

The rocks that make up the harbour wall did indeed, host a good number of cormorant. I could only look at them from the opposing side but could see Pied, Black-faced and Little Pied Cormorant as well as Great Crested Tern and lots of Feral Pigeons. The Black-faced Cormorant were fewer in number but there were still plenty there. Looking very similar to the Little Black Cormorant but with a white front, they are very attractive birds. I moved round as far as I could towards them and sat on top of the wall that was accessible. From time to time, both the Black-faced and Pied Cormorants would venture on to the top as well and I could get some good views and photographs once the sun came out.

Pied Cormorant (Phalacrocorax varius)

Black-faced Cormorant (Phalacrocorax fuscescens)

Once I had finished watching the cormorants, it was time to look around as there was plenty of other activity. I didn't get too far as a pair of juvenile Pacific Gull were bathing in the shallow part of the harbour. These interesting, large gulls are endemic to Australia and can only be seen on the coastlines and are absent from the far north. In reality, I have only seen them in a few places while travelling in the south and although they are classed as Least Concern, I think they are rather uncommon on land and must spend considerable amounts of time in ocean air.

Pacific Gull (Larus pacificus)

I spent some time wandering around the lighthouse and on the cliffs. To my surprise, there were large flocks of European introductions here. I am used to seeing sparrows and starlings in more urban areas, rather than out on the coast. As well as the House Sparrow, European Starling, there were European Blackbirds and even a few Goldfinch. While we look at them with some disdain in places where they shouldn't be, you have to admire their adaptability and survival in a very different climate and environment.

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)

There were also some native and endemic birds in the area, with Galah calling noisily, Rainbow Lorikeet flying overhead and the Adelaide Rosella feeding on bushes. Close to the car park I found honeyeaters and a raven all searching the undergrowth and grass for food. Everywhere I turned, there were interesting birds here. With late afternoon sunshine and the fabulous views out to Kangaroo Island, even if you aren't travelling there, this is a good place to be.

Red Wattlebird (Anthochaera carunculata)

Little Raven (Corvus mellori)

Singing Honeyeater (Gavicalis virescens)

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