Shearwaters take flight

They’re off! Thousands of shearwaters take to the skies on an epic journey.

Every April, the skies above Phillip Island come alive with the flurry of wings as our Short-tailed Shearwaters begin their annual migration. These incredible seabirds are about to embark on one of the longest journeys in the animal kingdom — a round trip of over 30,000 kilometres all the way to the Aleutian Islands in Alaska!

Born right here on the dunes of Phillip Island, these birds spend their summer months nesting, raising chicks, and feasting on fish and squid in the rich waters of Bass Strait. But as the chill of autumn sets in, instinct kicks in, and they launch into the sky, heading north across the Pacific Ocean.

What makes these birds so amazing?

• Shearwaters navigate with pinpoint accuracy, using the sun, stars, ocean currents, and even the Earth’s magnetic field.
• Their wings are perfectly built for gliding over waves — they can travel hundreds of kilometres a day with barely a flap!
• Some juveniles make their very first migration alone, without guidance — and still manage to find their way to Alaska. Amazing, right?

But their journey isn’t without danger. These birds face threats from plastic pollution, fishing nets, light pollution, and loss of nesting habitat. That’s where we all come in.

Here’s how you can help:

• Keep our beaches clean — pick up rubbish, especially plastics that seabirds often mistake for food.
• Reduce your use of single-use plastics.
• Shield outdoor lights during nesting season (September–April) — bright lights can disorient young fledglings.
• Support local conservation efforts that protect coastal habitats and marine life.

At Wildlife Coast Cruises, we’re privileged to share waters with these remarkable birds. As we wave goodbye for now, we’re reminded of the wonders of nature right on our doorstep — and our role in keeping it thriving.

Safe travels, shearwaters — see you in spring!