The Albatross Almanac

Journey with me to sun-kissed, wind-spanked Tern Island of the French Frigate Shoals, where humans play second fiddle to the abundant wildlife. My time on Tern will last from late January to early April. I will be tagging Laysan and Black-footed albatross with GPS, satellite and archival tags to track their movements over the north Pacific as part of my post-graduate research project. I hope this blog provides a little window into the lives of seabirds and the people who study them.

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

The water around the northwesterners is unbelievable clear and vivid. When the sun is shining, you can't imagine anything being more brilliantly colored than this torquise blue water; it's even reflected in the clouds above the water.

Me, Sabrina and Colleen soaking up the sun, the water and the birds on East Island

Vroom! An action shot of Sabrina (from New Zealand) and I on our way to East Island.

This black-footed pair of dancers were giving quite a show on the tranquil shores of tiny East Island. Juvenile albatross court for years prior to breeding (birds don't start breeding until seven years of age) and the courting rutual includes a very coordinated, intricate dance that indicates the health and suitability of a potential mate.

Saturday, February 2, 2008

GALUMP!

Albatross don't pitter-patter, they galump. (tip: turn volume up).