This is a Salvin's Albatross (Thalassarche salvini) that we saw in the first trip of the weekend. This species is part of the Shy Albatross group of birds. It can be separated from Shy Albatross (Thalassarche cauta) by its pale grey head with a white forehead, its white underwings and the pale or olive-grey bit with a dark tip.
In the field (or on the ocean in this case) the grey head was very noticeable and this was the feature that first alerted us to the birds presence as it flew past. Somewhat unusually (so I am told) the bird stayed around the boat for a while, rather than just doing a fly past.
This is a Southern Ocean species that breeds on some of New Zealand sub-antarctic islands.
In some of these picture you can see the bird interacting with a Shy Albatross.
As ever, to join on with WBW click on the link below. Hope all is well. SM
Thank you dear friend. Aloha
ReplyDeleteI used to enjoy seeing these birds when we went to the shore. They were everywhere. Great pictures Stewart.
ReplyDeleteThey may have been a different species... I have no birdies to share with you this week.
So relaxing to look at the albatross
ReplyDeleteinteresting to see Albatross swimming in the ocean
ReplyDeleteSuch wonderful photos of the Salvin's Albatross.
ReplyDeleteYou are so lucky to have done another pelagic trip I only ever did one and loved it. These photographs are great. Thanks for trying to ID my birds Yes there were a lot of of flying in and out of nests and making A LOT of sound and my guess might be Metallic Starling. Thanks for hosting and commenting. Have a lovely week ahead Stewart.
ReplyDeleteI've never seen an albatross, shy or otherwise. I did see a black cap in the garden yesterday which was a first so that's something for me to boast about. Enjoy your week.
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteI particularly like the shots with the Shy - a lovely way to see and contrast! YAM xx
Any day with an albatross is a very special day. Sadly, I may never have the experience again.
ReplyDeleteThe head, minus the beak, reminds me of a gannet’s head. What an incredible wingspan! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteNice bird really. We have not here in mediterranean coasts of France. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. I love seeing them interacting.
ReplyDelete