Mutton birds are curious birds, living in burrows. They depart the island at first light to fly offshore to feed for the day and return under cover of darkness. Late in the evening they come to the head of their burrows and call into the night with the spooky, mournful sound in the recording. I spent two nights trying to photograph a mutton bird and then other priorities wisely took over. With specialized equipment and dedicated time mutton bird portraiture would make a fine project for an expedition to Raine Island.

Sound recording by Ashton Ward. ashton@wildbluemusic.com