Mutton bird

A couple of these small birds always seem to hang about the boat when we are fishing. They are quite persistent and we are always worried we could hook one as they do seem to chase after the bait wh it is cast and watch it carefully as it sinks.
I have been told they are mutton birds, which are a type of petrel and a bit of an acquired taste, as about 250,000 are collected annually in the autumn near Stewart Island. Apparently they are quite salty and taste of fish. I have no intention of finding out personally !