19 July 2024
Halfway Atoll hosts the most important Laysan albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis) nesting colony on the planet the place greater than 600,000 pairs elevate younger each and every yr. The birds are absent in September however go back to court docket in November, lay eggs in December, and hatch in February.
There are such a lot of birds that it’s laborious to rely.
After the eggs hatch the chicks start to wander in March whilst their folks hunt at sea. By way of Would possibly the chicks begin to develop grownup feathers however it is going to take two extra months earlier than they’re able to fledge in July. Right through this era they’re in all places …
In open areas …
… close to structures …
… beneath bushes and at the roads.
At the Fourth of July a rain bathe brought on the chicks to flap their wings, proven in two movies under. You’ll be able to pay attention the raindrops at the audio tracks.
1000’s of younger Laysan albatross simulate flying by means of flapping their wings all the way through a rain bathe at Halfway Atoll Nationwide Flora and fauna Safe haven, July 4, 2024. (video by means of USFWS volunteer Dan Rapp)
Just about able for takeoff!
Once they fly, Laysan albatross children depart Halfway for a existence at sea. USFWS Pacific says they’re “more likely to transfer in opposition to Japan or Alaska, however their identified vary extends to Mexico, too.” They received’t go back to Halfway Atoll till they’re 3 years previous. They don’t breed till age seven or 8.