Sunday 4 September 2011

Salvin's Albatross ID


I slapped this one-stop-guide to Salvin's Albatross identification together from shots taken yesterday. The info is largely gleaned from yesterday's learnings and the sighting I had a few weeks back.

DISCLAIMER: This is a simple guide and doesn't go into age, moult, the time of year and your position on the globe. There's plenty of crossover with all of the above.

I also received the following shots from Nick Edards who was on the boat. Check out his site and some of his excellent bat pics.

Graeme Phipps holds the Salvin's steady, Lindsay installs the bracelet, Daryl stands by with a Wanderer and [Be]linda (?) takes down the record. Photo by Nick Edards.

Me and the Wanderer. It was about the same age as me and had probably been on the boat more times. Photo by Nick Edards.

7 Comments:

Blogger Matt said...

I keep forgetting to ask. How the heck do you get the bird on the boat?

4 September 2011 at 20:32  
Blogger Paul said...

You tickle it under the chin until it falls asleep. Then you simply swim under it and push it over the side of the deck.

4 September 2011 at 21:29  
Blogger Matt said...

Uhuh. Do you ever sing a lullaby while you're tickling it too? This is fascinating.

5 September 2011 at 02:27  
Blogger Paul said...

It's important to sing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star for this species.

Failing that you just use a big net.

5 September 2011 at 05:05  
Blogger simon said...

nice photos. I find there is a lot to learn about these birds, but thats what makes birding such a great hobby

6 September 2011 at 05:01  
Anonymous Ash said...

Paul- I wanna grow up just like you and hold giant albatrosses in my lap!

14 September 2011 at 01:04  
Blogger Paul said...

You've got to come up for a weekend Ash! We'll cuddle Albatrosses then play with Ground Parrots.

14 September 2011 at 22:54  

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