Critical that solitary shearwater rests
After a possibly a long flight from the feeding grounds in Alaska this shearwater (commonly known as muttonbird) rested on the Norther NSW beach where I found him. He made no moves to evade me as I approached so I sat beside him whereupon he ignored me.
I have had a little experience with shearwaters during the big wreck in 2013 (https://open.abc.net.au/explore/59026 – watch the video and read the user generated comments to get a sense of the extent of the 2013 wreck). I knew that I could help him by giving him some shade so I found a safe place and moved him there. He accepted my help with only little whinging and biting. 
When I sat him under the tree he slowly turned to face the Easterly wind and proceeded to rest, continuing to ignore me except for an occasional wink.
I lay beside him on the shady dune and took these photographs as I contemplated his fate. I wonder if that’s what he was doing. The likelihood sadly is that nature took its toll and my new feathered friend is now dead, however a rest can do wonders so it’s possible he recuperated enough to resume his long flight to join his buddies. Next time I visit Broken Head I will check to see if his body is there. Here’s hoping I’ll find nothing which could mean that I was able to help him on his way.
Mic Smith Geographic 