Raptor Resource Project Forum
BirdCam Forum => Other Bird Cams and Information => Topic started by: LORIDAVIS on December 13, 2019, 03:41:39 PM
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(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ELinf2JW4AUlyY7?format=jpg&name=large)
Royal Albatross Cam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9XNKQY4tQc&feature=emb_logo
The RoyalCam is a collaboration between the New Zealand Department of Conservation and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. To learn more while watching, view the cam at
https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native...
or at https://allaboutbirds.org/cams
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Royal Cam is a 24-hour live stream of a Northern Royal Albatross nest during the breeding season at Pukekura/Taiaroa Head on the southeast tip of New Zealand's South Island.
The season of 2019/2020 has seen the Royal Cam once again move up the hill. Now at Top Flat Track our new pair is OGK (banded Orange, Green, Black) a 21 year old male and YRK (banded Yellow, Red, Black) and 25 year old female. YRK laid the egg on 14 November 2019.
This season the live stream has partnered with Cornell Bird Lab. There are some new features including a trial of night vision and the ability to pan the camera at the rangers discretion.
More info on families
https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/albatrosses/royal-albatross-toroa/royal-cam/meet-the-royal-family/
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Northern Royal Albatross New Zealand South Island Cornell Labs
(https://i.gyazo.com/9316c7a60f885c3941b1d910aa63a772.gif)
Royal Cam Albatross ~ Beautiful Close-Ups Of The Tubenose! DOC Ranger Check Up On Egg! 12.28.19
https://youtu.be/T-_mfAOZ7xQ via ladyhawk
Stunning closeups of the male albatross OGK!!
The albatross spend most of their time at sea and only come in to land to breed. They are called tubenoses because of the pair of tubular nostrils on their hooked bills. They have long, narrow wings and webbed feet. They lay only one egg and both parents care for and feed the chick.
Today, we had a DOC ranger check up on the egg. The albatross are very docile and allow the rangers to handle their eggs easily. The NZ conservation program looks after the world's only mainland albatross colony!! The goal is successfully fledge as many chicks as is possible! Thank you for watching!
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Royal Cam Albatross egg & PIP check today ❤️
(https://i.gyazo.com/5b5dd69813c53ef4838abc5ab2b6bb29.gif)
Royal Cam Albatross ~ DOC Ranger Checking Egg For A Pip! 1.25.2020
https://youtu.be/8k6sUbXHKoU via ladyhawk
DOC ranger comes by to check the egg for signs of a pip - YRK greets her! No pip seen so far. Ranger Sharyn leaves a nice gift of grasses.
The albatross pair is OGK (banded Orange, Green, Black) a 21 year old male and YRK (banded Yellow, Red, Black) a 25 year old female. YRK laid the egg on 14 November 2019. Located at Top Flat Rock New Zealand.
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Albatross Kyra & Oliver, PIP waiting for hatch off site ❤️❤️❤️
(https://i.gyazo.com/792b58422db365064e422474ed99fdcf.gif)
Albatross Love (2020.01.30) - Royal Albatross Cam - NZ Dept of Conservation - Cornell Lab
https://youtu.be/F_u-Rhy35ro via holly
At the beginning of the video, YRK (Kyra, the female) is incubating the dummy egg and announcing the arrival of OGK (Oliver, her mate). Their reunion after his multi-day absence is so incredibly sweet! By the end of the video, OGK has taken over nest duties. Background: The egg has pipped and been taken to an incubator for an environment free of the threat of flystrike during the hatching process. The hatched chick will be returned to the parents as soon as possible.
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New Zealand Albatross Kyra & Oliver 3am there now... hoping to get a peek in a few hours! Baby returned to nest last night!!! ❤️
One tiny little bundle returned to OGK . Congratulations to you both OGK & YRK on your little chick
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EPljU1ZUwAEQjBv?format=jpg&name=900x900)
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Royal Cam Albatross ~ We Have A HATCH! Welcome To The World ♥ ♥ Chick Returned To Nest 1.31.20
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBFIdWA_QvU
Royal Cam Albatross ~ FIRST FEEDING By Dad (OGK) 💖💖 2.1.202
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyrm9xSY-m4
Royal Cam Albatross ~ Ranger Sharyn Morning Check & Weigh In For Albatross Chick 💝 2.1.2020
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tey55vAJzHA
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Thanks for the videos, T40 :) Baby is so cute!
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New Zealand Northern Royal Albatross, Peek from last night... all sleeping now.
(https://i.gyazo.com/82023440b1166ff7320983ea59589b69.gif)
Health check yesterday chick is 290 grams
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EPoiez0U4AErIjl?format=jpg&name=900x900)
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Wow! How sweet to hold one! :)
They are big birds!
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Royal Cam Albatross baby feeding & health check ❤️
(https://i.gyazo.com/fed88f315b4d3cbe437517e70ff970ed.gif)
Royal Cam Albatross ~ ADORABLE BABY!! Hungry & Ready To Eat! Magnificent OGK Wings! 2.2.20
https://youtu.be/IN68COMuEQQ via ladyhawk
2.2.20 ~~ OGK gets up and spreads his magnificent wings (I put in slomo to appreciate!) The little chick wakes up and is hungry and ready to eat! Dad gives his baby a very good feeding before bed and then resumes brooding.
Royal Cam Albatross We Have A VERY HEALTHY CHICK! Ranger Rebecca Takes New Weight 310 Grams!
https://youtu.be/5JQUx0CWdf8via ladyhawk
2/2/20 ~ Ranger Rebecca takes a new weight on the albatross chick ~~ 310 grams!! Dad is doing a great job feeding!
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Aw, I want a cuddle! ;) :)
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OMG....baby is so cute!!!!!!!
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Changing of the guard! :)
https://twitter.com/i/status/1224165533236355072
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Royal Albatross new baby closeup today! ❤️❤️❤️
(https://i.gyazo.com/1fe318aee42113ccfed6311d423e94a4.gif)
Royal Albatross Cam Zooms In On Chick In The Nest
https://youtu.be/Kfp68Q_on7s via cornell lab bird cams
Watch the Royal Albatross chick perk up to receive a meal from the female (YRK) in this close-up clip
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Albatross Chick check today ❤️
(https://i.gyazo.com/5f5214b44a33108f83c336a0b3b7565b.gif)
https://youtu.be/0CdsR_NXsE0 via cornell lab bird cams
A ranger from the New Zealand Department of Conservation measures the mass of the Royal Albatross chick during a quick health check at the nest.
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Aw!
https://twitter.com/i/status/1226716059555655680
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New Zealand Albatross family ❤️
(https://i.gyazo.com/00d6c896192e4020c1716a9f2e8576a4.gif)
(https://i.gyazo.com/364b3120518f99aca4213e9115911683.gif)
kisses(https://i.gyazo.com/d077db6a3666c1605f1e345c5c66b643.gif)
Royal Albatross ~ Affectionate Greeting by YRK For OGK ? Mutual Allopreening/Shift Change 2.12.20
https://youtu.be/u6Rdg7rO0rg via lady hawk
Albatross Chick Weigh-in and Health Check
https://youtu.be/pcf3fMdhU4U via samantha eye
New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC) rangers weigh the chick daily. The chick hatched on 1/31/2020.
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They are kind of too warm today!
https://twitter.com/i/status/1229238348184555520
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New Zealand Albatross ❤️
(https://i.gyazo.com/d7f228d63aaaf3c6b598f9fe79d9b6dc.gif)
Royal Cam Albatross ~ Dad (OGK) Is HOME!! Mom (YRK) Heads Out To Sea!
https://youtu.be/nTs1aqlaCNY via ladyhawk
(https://i.gyazo.com/24744cbc9eb9d183582269ff56d1125a.gif)
https://youtu.be/spRg8g1fAMk via samantha eye
The Albatross dad watches as a New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC) ranger weighs the chick.
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Dad said, "Get out of here!". :) From Samantha Eye:
https://twitter.com/i/status/1231660998227943424
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New Zealand Albatross ❤️❤️❤️
(https://i.gyazo.com/8db0968a896933f76e3f0b378d313f2d.gif)
(https://i.gyazo.com/e02f92910dadd88d819b1169f1af3d54.gif)
YRK Preens, Feeds Royal Albatross Chick During Long Brooding Break
https://youtu.be/CAK3Z74rizQ via cornell lab bird cam
The female Royal Albatross unveils her chick after she stands up for a long brooding break. After the chick takes a quick bathroom break, preening and feeding ensue.
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This sweet pair! :)
https://twitter.com/i/status/1232462571384369152
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❤️
New Zealand Albatross
(https://i.gyazo.com/478e519c390c28238c4500539b94ab3d.gif)
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New Zealand Albatross
(https://i.gyazo.com/c22f1f5e97c2fbcf04c2d8e3cb346821.gif)
The male OGK steps back and offers a meal of regurgitated seafare to his chick on the Royal Albatross cam. Northern Royal Albatross diet consists mainly of squid, fish, and crustaceans that they seize from the ocean's surface. They will also scavenge discards from fishing vessels.
https://youtu.be/7y62b155mqc via cornell lab bird cam
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Chick looks plump and healthy! :)
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Kissy kissy! ;D
https://twitter.com/i/status/1234665180929224705
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Sooooo big! :)
https://twitter.com/i/status/1236172745064370181
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Baby updates!!! ❤️❤️❤️
Albatross New Zealand
(https://i.gyazo.com/83d9115a42bc19ef63057a42cb143034.gif)
It's A Girl! DNA Results Determine #RoyalCam Chick Is Female
https://youtu.be/yVN3Kvqj_iI via cornell lab bird cams
Big news from down under! Our partners at the New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC) announced that DNA testing has revealed that this year's Royal Albatross chick is a female. After having a bias towards female chicks in the colony over the past two years, this year's DNA tests confirm that there are more male chicks throughout the colony overall in 2020.
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Baby growing up too fast! :-*
https://twitter.com/i/status/1236449778281504769
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A couple baby pics this morning! ❤️❤️❤️
New Zealand Albatross family photo
(https://i.gyazo.com/680c60359ea9dbc564671ddeda2e369b.gif)
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❤️❤️❤️
Albatross New Zealand baby girl
(https://i.gyazo.com/266acc2cb72852d697f6ae7be64631b4.gif)
(https://i.gyazo.com/52bb36cdb78753bd4325524ebb8f4011.gif)
First Stroll Outside the Nest (2020.03.13) - Royal Albatross Cam, New Zealand DOC & Cornell Lab
https://youtu.be/EdtDW9Y0h_I via cornell lab bird cams
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Albatross Family New Zealand
(https://i.gyazo.com/91c1a5444297c9e19b393ac78e34f1ae.gif)
(https://i.gyazo.com/2d3252dbdebefacb52d07967802cf361.gif)
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baby updates... enjoy!!! ❤️❤️❤️
Albatross Daddy & me
(https://i.gyazo.com/f6f88ec1df0c40d24d8c788008841860.gif)
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Albatross family ❤️
Albatross New Zealand Dad hovering to protect family from intruder
(https://i.gyazo.com/c32236a3741a3fdcc70049504e416b8e.gif)
The baby
(https://i.gyazo.com/cb4392e35232418b2cbe1843391aeef2.gif)
Albatross celebrate baby girl
(https://i.gyazo.com/acd2772c3636ebec7df31aecdc26bbdc.gif)Albatross Block Party (2020.03.18) - RoyalCam New Zealand Dept of Conservation & Cornell Lab
https://youtu.be/FJnrgcBiJnE via holly
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Baby Albatross girl has a visitor... she's like "what was that furry thing" lol ❤️
(https://i.gyazo.com/49c95adc77d6427aaa3f0817e01f80aa.gif)
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❤️❤️❤️
Baby girl Albatross New Zealand catching a breeze
(https://i.gyazo.com/5db8f8050f67f11488c6a8a6595068ae.gif)
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Royal Cam Albatross our little girl "Pippa"
(https://i.gyazo.com/ac7d1fc18284c7c20d1741a9d4eb9831.gif)
Royal Cam Albatross ~ Pippa Goes Exploring & Leaves Camera View! 4.8.20[/b
https://youtu.be/i2MvrV5EQKY VIA LADYHAWK
At 69 days old, our young girl is starting to explore around the nest area more. At one point, she walks out of view of the cam on the right for four minutes before coming back to her nest!! She actually explored outside her nest four different times! Perhaps she will be making a play nest soon!
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Albatross New Zealand baby girl Pippa
(https://i.gyazo.com/1272b5f7a65cb77c88d25bbfc6db6b98.gif)
FEB 17 2020
(https://i.gyazo.com/d7f228d63aaaf3c6b598f9fe79d9b6dc.gif)
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What a pile of fluff! ;D
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❤️❤️❤️New Zealand Albatross
Pippa catching a breeze
(https://i.gyazo.com/016635848f6d93e238efb3a0b4a4463f.gif)
Pippa & Mom having a chat
(https://i.gyazo.com/8736079cb29483e3dcfd3140859d7861.gif)
]https://i.gyazo.com/c1a1a9b7edbaa8ed3d7843f2f2310c97.gif[/img]
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Royal Albatross Dad returns having chat with daughter Pippa ❤️❤️❤️
(https://i.gyazo.com/810ffe0e5f8e3b140ccd894b7c1e01a6.gif)
Royal Cam Albatross ~ OGK Returns & Surprises Pippa! He Is Walking SO Much Better Today 5.11.20
https://youtu.be/Jwt5JhXabWY VIA LADYHAWK
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Pippa getting a check up and weigh-in.
Look how big she is! :o :-*
https://youtu.be/B1gAq34ID3I
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Pippa getting a check up and weigh-in.
Look how big she is! :o :-*
https://youtu.be/B1gAq34ID3I
Awww I ❤️ Pippa!!! Thanks for sharing Lani
(https://i.gyazo.com/81b1b1ee225bd070a9af3cfe721042b4.gif)
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Lori, I just love her :-*
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Pippa getting a check up and weigh-in.
Look how big she is! :o :-*
https://youtu.be/B1gAq34ID3I
Wow, Pippa is getting big!
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Lani and Lori- ty for posting updates on Pippa. I've been fascinated with this cam and wish there was a way to get info on their nesting habits, growth on the baby and so on. Do you guys know how often the baby gets fed? Also when do their feathers come in. I don't remember when Pippa hatched but I don't see feathers yet. How far do the parents range food? Is the food digested by them or do they feed whole fish to the baby? I can't see. Ty again.
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Lupinelady, thanks for watching! Below are the links for information on the Albatross answering all of your questions. Very interesting ;) Start on page 1 of the forum Albatross thread I started for Pippa's hatch date and all she went through before being returned to the nest. Very cool! Enjoy!
(https://i.gyazo.com/52bb36cdb78753bd4325524ebb8f4011.gif)
Live cam and more info https://www.allaboutbirds.org/cams/royal-albatross/
or youtube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9XNKQY4tQc&feature=emb_logo
Royal Cam is a 24-hour live stream of a Northern Royal Albatross nest during the breeding season at Pukekura/Taiaroa Head on the southeast tip of New Zealand's South Island.
The season of 2019/2020 has seen the Royal Cam once again move up the hill. Now at Top Flat Track our new pair is OGK (banded Orange, Green, Black) a 21 year old male and YRK (banded Yellow, Red, Black) and 25 year old female. YRK laid the egg on 14 November 2019.
This season the live stream has partnered with Cornell Bird Lab. There are some new features including a trial of night vision and the ability to pan the camera at the rangers discretion.
More info on families and Albatross
https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/albatrosses/royal-albatross-toroa/royal-cam/
https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/albatrosses/royal-albatross-toroa/
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Lori- ty for the info- I've saved it to read later. The first time I saw a huge ship go by I was amazed. Birds were unfazed though.
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Thanks Lori for the info. I love seeing the boat go by!
Hi Lupinelady, i love this albatross family too. :-*
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Royal Cam Albatross ~ DOC Ranger Sharyn Does A Visual Check On OGK's Leg Today! 5.31.20 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuZ22_clesQ
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A Royal Departure In New Zealand!!! It was only a matter of time!
Atawhai, the star chick of the Northern Royal Albatross cam, took her first flight on the morning of September 16.
(https://i.gyazo.com/26213f78002f2b1b84a26cbcb597c1a3.gif)
There were no surprises here?all signs indicated a green light for takeoff. At 230 days post-hatch, Atawhai was a bit younger than the average fledgling (240 days), but she met a standard pre-fledge weight of 17.4 pounds (7.9 kg). Favorable winds may have also played a role into her departure, as the intrepid youngster looked every bit the part during hover practice this past week. Farewell, young Atawhai!
Thanks To Our Cam Partners: Even though Atawhai decided to fledge away from the cam's view, these past 9 months were filled with memories that we won't soon forget. The 2019?2020 breeding season marked the first in what we hope will be a long and fruitful partnership between the Cornell Lab and New Zealand's Department of Conservation (DOC), who manage the Northern Royal Albatross colony at the Taiaroa Head Nature Reserve.
What's Next For Atawhai: The young albatross will now navigate the Pacific Ocean on a multi-year journey. Her next stop on land will be her return to the breeding colony at Taiaroa Head. DOC rangers report that she'll start by foraging off the east coast of New Zealand's South Island before taking the long 5,600 mile (9,000 km) journey to one of the richest areas of marine life in the world, the continental shelf of western South America. Royal Albatross fledglings spend 4?10 years at sea before they return to their natal area to breed. Perhaps she'll one day be the parent of a future nestling on the Royal cam!
Once YRK and OGK (the adult breeding pair featured on this year's cam) return to find their fledgling gone, they will switch gears to building up energy for the next breeding attempt. Because it takes so much time and effort to raise a single chick, Adult Northern Royal Albatross take a year-long break after a successful breeding attempt. The birds need the extra time to get into breeding condition again after spending up to 8 months constantly tending to their nestling.
New Royal Family Coming Soon: We?re planning to live-stream another Royal Albatross nest when the 2020?2021 season begins in December. Until then, the Royal Cam will remain live 24/7 so you can enjoy the windswept New Zealand scenery and glimpse albatrosses passing by.
Chick Atawhai Feels The Winds Beneath Her Wings On Morning Of Fledge https://youtu.be/G9TG_b1-UGM
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Royal Albatross (LGL & GLG) have now laid eggs. Eggs weigh approx. 400g when laid & 300g at hatching. Daily egg checks now occur for the 79 day incubation period.
Laying egg yesterday
(https://i.gyazo.com/ffead0c66b0d21d3c1aa2332f829b24f.gif)
Dad visits & see's egg first time today!
(https://i.gyazo.com/e777fffbb16bdd0602f1f73ef54938db.gif)
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/cams/royal-albatross/
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Royal Cam Albatross New Zealand Great news! We have a pip today in LGK/LGL's egg!
(https://i.gyazo.com/aa1d1f163b1f3366e1193e8eeafb8835.gif)
Royal Cam Albatross ~ Royalcam LGK/LGL's Egg Has Pipped! Taken To Incubator To Hatch!https://youtu.be/uxdsV6nNZwE via ladyhawk
Great news! We have a pip today in LGK/LGL's egg! The rangers have now taken the egg to hatch in an incubator! The rangers have sprayed peppermint oil on the nest to prevent flystrike.An albatross egg can take up to 6 days to hatch so during this time the egg is completely safe in the incubator. Once the chick hatches, it will be returned to the incubating parent! Very eggciting to know we will be welcoming a new little white fluffball very soon! Thank you for watching!
~~ LGL hatched in 2008 and is a 12 year female paired with LGK hatched in 2009 an 11 year male. They have been together since 2017 and became our Royalcam couple for the 2018/2019 season. Their first breeding season produced an egg but it later died. In 2019 their chick Karere fledged successfully. LGL laid her egg on Nov. 7th 2020. LGL/ LGK are the Royalcam couple for the 2020/21 season!
Courtesy of Dept of Conservation Royal Cam, Royal Albatross Taiaroa Head, New Zealand & Cornell Lab.
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(http://dl5.glitter-graphics.net/pub/638/638145bltz6zqhdo.gif) (https://www.glitter-graphics.com)RoyalCam Albatross New Zealand Chick News!!! (http://dl5.glitter-graphics.net/pub/638/638145bltz6zqhdo.gif) (https://www.glitter-graphics.com)
Chick hatches & is returned to LGK (Dad) & Nest. Congrats to LGK & LGL!!!
(https://i.gyazo.com/8c83d789f6416c331881c6261b7c45e1.gif)
Shimmy shimmy ko ko pop (must a "Dad" thing) ;)
(https://i.gyazo.com/85957b60d24d95226ee7d3d5ab7b5e96.gif)
Royal Cam Albatross ~ RoyalCam Chick Hatches & Is Returned to LGK & Nest! 1.24.21
https://youtu.be/qR9mAeEKI_Mvia ladyhawk
Welcome to the world little albatross chick!! After hatching in an incubator, Ranger Julia returns the little one to the nest. She sprays with an insect repellent to prevent fly strike and then lets LGK sees his new baby! Congratulations to LGL and LGK and to the entire DOC team and to all the viewers!!
The #RoyalCam egg update January 23rd ~ chick is making wonderful progress using their egg tooth to chip away at the shell, in the safety of the incubator. Chicks are vulnerable to fly-strike at this stage too.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EsZpSFeVkAAey--?format=jpg&name=small)
During the hatching process rangers can use albatross sounds to help stimulate the chick.
Juvenile Albatross Drop-by nest? it is party season!!
(https://i.gyazo.com/a1201b3b5e61f662128c2789488a64fd.gif)
The juveniles gathered well into the evening ? despite LGK?s 'protests'. A lot of fun to watch. They are so cute, they look like a bunch of girls so happy to see a new baby coming! I have seen this several times. ;)
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Lori why do they put the egg in an incubator?
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Good question Peep, here is my edited answer for you from Cornell... ;D
Northern Royal Albatross face many threats related to habitat loss, rising temperatures, and invasive species. They are designated as an ?At Risk? species in New Zealand and are listed as endangered. Because of their delicate situation, a number of conservation measures have been put in place to help improve the nest success of the albatross at the Taiaroa Head Nature Reserve?home to the only mainland colony of albatross in the Southern Hemisphere.
One threat that all Royal Albatross chicks are particularly vulnerable to is infestation by fly larvae?known as ?fly strike??during the hatching process. Chicks may take up to 6 days to hatch, and flies can quickly take advantage of a helpless hatchling during that period, often with fatal results. To remove the risk of fly strike during hatching, DOC rangers now carefully transport all pipping albatross eggs to hatch in an incubator.
After 5-6 days in the incubator, the chick will hatch and be swiftly returned to the nest to be cared for and fed by the parent?but the danger isn?t over yet. Fly strike remains a risk for up to two weeks after hatching. During this critical period, viewers will see DOC rangers make frequent checks at the nest to inspect for signs of fly strike and monitor the chick for healthy weight.
more info on www.allaboutbirds.org/
Here is the little one 3 hours ago I found on rewind, trying to get a pic of little one today! The rangers were there taking weight it appears. Here is a gif.
(https://i.gyazo.com/55d6afb08796281f12eb92d6a6f8fa69.gif)
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Royal Cam Albatross New Zealand, LGL (Mom) returns and see's her chick for the first time! (http://dl5.glitter-graphics.net/pub/638/638145bltz6zqhdo.gif) (https://www.glitter-graphics.com)(http://dl5.glitter-graphics.net/pub/638/638145bltz6zqhdo.gif) (https://www.glitter-graphics.com)
Gif recap ;) LGL-{Mom} gets home last night, says hi to LGK- {Dad}, they do a little "preening" kisses and then she sees her chick for the first time!
(https://i.gyazo.com/8f22ddb13ccd1c6e573ceffc79a3022a.gif)
Typically the female lays the egg and then leaves for several weeks to help restore her body condition after producing the egg. The male takes the first incubation shift, then they trade off after that.
Royal Cam Albatross ~ LGL Returns At Midnight! Sees Her Chick First Time Sweet Change Over https://youtu.be/tFink3F6cpI via lady hawk
After being at sea for 7 days, LGL returns just after midnight! It is a bit unusual to see a change over in the middle of the night but the albatross do fly at night if the winds are favorable (which they were!). She greets LGK and they spend some time preening one another. She did not know that her chick had hatched and see gets a surprise peek at 5:58 ♥♥ LGK was not quite ready to give up his brooding, but finally we have the change over at 8:48 ♥♥ LGL looks down at her new little bundle for some time before she shimmies down. LGK departs to the right for his time at sea hunting now. Thank you for watching!
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Royal Cam Albatross little one gets first breakfast By Mom
(https://i.gyazo.com/ee724ccf38b123dae87381c64ff21971.gif)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Esm7u71XcAA6JvC?format=jpg&name=900x900)
Royal Cam Albatross ~ Wonderful First Feeding By Mom (LGL)https://youtu.be/ss4qjAaion0
LGL gives her new chick a great feeding this morning! It is such a tender moment to watch how patient she is with this wee one!
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Hello Forum Friends!!! This is a couple snips from the Cornell Labs year of 2020 video (link below). Out of all of their cams, I see that I am a regular fan of most of them; Royal Albatross ((Pippa)), Bermuda Cahow, White Tailed Tropic Bird, Hellgate Ospreys ((Iris)), Cornell Red Tailed Hawks ((Big Red & Arthur)), American Kestrels, & a couple feeder cams. This is an absolutely BEAUTIFUL video :)
(https://i.gyazo.com/9f393158034b20a76480f98713816181.gif)
(https://i.gyazo.com/3632a3f46b71ad313282956a72a2c1db.gif)
Cornell Labs Bird Cams: Best Of 2020https://youtu.be/KdmZKgSEB9w
2020 was a challenging year, when many of us found solace in nature during a difficult time. As the landscape of our daily lives shifted, birds provided a sense of normalcy in a changing world. Let's take a moment to review some of the best moments from the Cornell Lab's Bird Cams in 2020.
Watch the cams live at www.allaboutbirds.org/cams
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From Samantha Eye :)
https://twitter.com/i/status/1365406311765192709
https://twitter.com/i/status/1365417679474065410
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Goodnight little one, SED's!!! (http://dl7.glitter-graphics.net/pub/1899/1899467dz03wl49qb.gif) (https://www.glitter-graphics.com)
New Zealand Albatross Family
(https://i.gyazo.com/f7843c190d13a6d0b826fe2385cfee85.gif)
(https://i.gyazo.com/17f11056e35106b9746e95871e906815.gif)
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Lori, they are so sweet! :-*
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The cam was still live at 8PM EST, March 4. Praying the storm misses this sweet family!
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my pics from last night :)
(https://i.pinimg.com/564x/6c/d5/b2/6cd5b205ae4c220938ecab206a6da150.jpg)
(https://i.pinimg.com/564x/37/f9/55/37f9551cb80086077af81b60c431f525.jpg)
Oldguy's link to today's news about New Zealand earthquake
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mF2fR67E-H0
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Aren't they sweet! :)
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Northern Royal Albatross, New Zealand home of LGL LGK and chick.
Chick showing off her little wings as Mom (LGL) lands at nest this afternoon.
"Mom see what I can do!"!!!
(https://i.gyazo.com/d874e0b5dd4ce6c13ccf7867e85212eb.gif)
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Great pics Lani! Hi Peep!
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awww Lori, adorable, don't you love seeing other albatross flying by, and the sea, the islands. I love this area. So peaceful.
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Royal Cam Albatross New Zealand
(https://i.gyazo.com/83af47267026819bddbe7139d333d1b0.gif)
Royal Cam Albatross ~ Adorable Royal Cam Chick Exercising Her Little Winglets! 💕 Closeups! 3.13.21 https://youtu.be/79Zdle3ADUA via ladyhawk
At 7 weeks old, the Royal Cam chick is starting to realize that these wings might have some significance after all! She is starting to exercise them by holding them out by her side and feeling the wind beneath them. Then is is time to preen again! Beautiful closeups of our big girl ♥♥ Thank you for watching!
(https://i.gyazo.com/04644fba77e84a41982db374852e28c5.gif)
Royal Cam Albatross ~ LGL Arrives Home To Give Her Chick A Nice Feeding! 💕
https://youtu.be/5-ioiAp6J_c via ladyhawk
LGL arrives home in the late afternoon - just in time to give her chick a nice squid supper! The sun was starting to fade in the sky - what a beautiful day and view! LGL feeds her chick and then she walks over to say hello to the neighbor's chick before she departs back out to sea! The parents will for the most part now just come in for a feeding and not stay very long as they have to continually go out and forage for more food in order to feed their ever growing chick! Thank you for watching
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Royal Albatross New Zealand
Lil Chick saying "Good Morning Sunrise"!!!
(https://i.gyazo.com/d45d7ac56ace850f7255d87e290ef44d.gif)
(https://i.gyazo.com/3962d719de0d083e8c562946187d40ba.gif)
Royal Albatross~One Moment In Time! A Tiny White Chick Welcomes The Splendor Of The Sunrise! 3.15.21 https://youtu.be/hrx8Xkmmxqc via lady hawk
The Royalcam chick wakes up to a stunning sunrise this morning and greets the new day with some wing exercises! She is like one small white dot in the vast openness of the universe! Enjoy this magical moment in time with our precious girl ♥ Beautiful closeups of her beginning at 5:35. Thank you for watching!
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Royal cam Albatross New Zealand 2021 cutie pie "chick"
Dad (LGK) comes home for a short visit to feed the hungry baby. He goes from chick to chick to find her. "Parents find their chick through visual cues and vocalizations such as skycalling."
(https://i.gyazo.com/2a6e6e543d25a06fbc0bcf16af514741.gif)
Daddy & me...
(https://i.gyazo.com/3a577305ec90109dc1795de5524ea85c.jpg)
Little fluff ball taking a nap in the warm sun...
(https://i.gyazo.com/9223e38db04cab2c9b495d47da7625d8.gif)
Peep had mentioned the naming of the Royal Cam's chick contest. Voting opens today. Vote for your favorite of the top five names before 6 May 2021, 5 pm (New Zealand Standard Time).
https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/albatrosses/royal-albatross-toroa/royal-cam/name-the-chick-competition/
I chose Tiaki, it means to protect, preserve, and care. ;D
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https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=kw0u2kudn78
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https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LwwVnUekpe
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https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LwwVnUekpe
I get a "video not available" on this YouTube link?
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https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LwwVnUekpe
I get a "video not available" on this YouTube link?
Yes it is. Let me check.
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I get them with these on my PC:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kw0u2kudn78
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwwVnUekpeE
I posted before from my tablet.
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Those work for me; thanks so much! I really like to keep up with them.
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Video from July 15. Tiaki is getting her adult feathers growing in nicely! :D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Z2Pxbsa-3k&list=PLXJZ8Lf9KIx6iS2ncZFMv_-8H5svLN97H&index=1
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Northern Albatross Cam with beautiful little one Tiaki 💜
(https://i.gyazo.com/d7aa6e7ad723b0661a59ba5554deaf98.gif)
(https://i.gyazo.com/5ab6c6a6ed9467d315633e5c5a2e6acf.jpg)
(https://i.gyazo.com/6efaa854290b3df899d398e304bac966.gif)
Royal Albatross ~ Girls Just Want To Have Fun 😊 Tiaki & SSTrig Winging Simultaneously! MUSIC 7.24.21 https://youtu.be/PDLgr8ltdms
Tiaki and SSTrig chick are 181 & 180 days old and for the first time are seen wingercising simultaneously!! 😊 Enjoy watching the girls winging to the beat of Cyndi Lauper's song! Don't miss that cute tail wiggle by Tiaki at 0:31. Thank you for watching
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Royal Cam Albatross New Zealand LGL/ LGK are the Royalcam couple for the 2020/21 season. Tiaki hatched on January 24th 2021.
(http://dl4.glitter-graphics.net/pub/500/500824ms6eoy3c9b.gif) (https://www.glitter-graphics.com) Precious Tiaki this morning (http://dl.glitter-graphics.net/pub/575/575281br5nqkcttj.gif) (https://www.glitter-graphics.com)
(https://i.gyazo.com/df34b471f09a71ed72d3679dd37d4bb4.gif)
Royal Cam Albatross ~ Tiaki's Beautiful Wings At Sunrise 💕 Neighbor Chick Displays & Clacks 9.21.21 https://youtu.be/M5nFXtbA14o via LADYHAWK
Tiaki is 240 days old and looks stunning set against the beautiful sunrise today! She does several minutes of wing exercises before lying back down to rest. At 4:25 it looks like Plateau chick is talking to Tiaki and they both do some clacking! Then Plateau goes into several nice displays in front of her. This is part of Plateau's territory that Miss Tiaki has been hanging out in :) I guess Tiaki swapped SSTrig's displays for Plateau's now! Nice to see them both still here at the colony!
Check out the private facebook Royal Cam Albatross Group New Zealand for up to date information on the albatross family and to share information on albatross conservation, photos and comments! https://www.facebook.com/groups/991026361293354
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Empty nest syndrome! Fly high and free pretty girl! :-*
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qSa64Cb7Xc
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Empty nest syndrome! Fly high and free pretty girl! :-*
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qSa64Cb7Xc
Happy and sad tears this morning... ;) OK, now I'm crying again. lol I don't see her there. :'( Fly high & free and prayers for your new journey sweet Tiaki!!!!
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New Zealand Albatross little Tiaki
Tiaki safe travels on your new journey little girl! We have enjoyed watching you grow into the amazing beautiful Albatross that you are! Prayers for you Tiaki (protect, preserve & care)
(http://dl10.glitter-graphics.net/pub/1430/1430600ou0p0w0kok.png) (https://www.glitter-graphics.com)(http://dl10.glitter-graphics.net/pub/1430/1430600ou0p0w0kok.png) (https://www.glitter-graphics.com)(http://dl10.glitter-graphics.net/pub/1430/1430600ou0p0w0kok.png) (https://www.glitter-graphics.com)
Here she is yesterday (24 second gif) a spotty landing after hovering but she did a beautiful job!! My apologies for the spotty gif, I need to do some more work on my graphic card conflicts... :-\
(https://i.gyazo.com/db7f495799edd834aef9e84ea9e21e15.gif)
February 27th 2021
(https://i.gyazo.com/17f11056e35106b9746e95871e906815.gif)
March 5th 2021 "Look Mom, see what I can do"!!!
(https://i.gyazo.com/d874e0b5dd4ce6c13ccf7867e85212eb.gif)
March 13, 2021
(https://i.gyazo.com/83af47267026819bddbe7139d333d1b0.gif)
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Here is a beautiful video wrap up for the 2021 season! :D
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=z7MI91MGb0w
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Lori finally got a chance to take a gander through your thread.
Very interesting. Thanks.
Tiaki has some journey ahead of her. Be safe
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Royal Cam Albatross New Zealand South Island
i am happy to hear that OGK & YRK are the new seasons Royal Cam Couple!! We had fun watching them in the 2020 season with little one Atawhai. Atawhai was a lot of fun and they are a fun couple. OGK & YRK are Tiaki's grandparents!!
Here is a little history for everybody...[/color]
This season's Royal Cam family OGK and YRK have moved down the hill to Quarry Track since raising Atawhai at Top Flat in 2020. They are in view of the Richdale Observatory.
Egg Laid: 9 November 2021
Female Known as: YRK (yellow/red/black bands)
Age 28 years, hatched 1994
Breeding since: 2006
Male Known as: OGK (orange/green/black bands)
Age: 24 years, hatched 1998
Breeding since: 2006
This pair have been together since 2006.
They have raised a foster chick after the egg they laid was broken during 2018. The first chick they raised is a breeding female and the natal mother of the 2018 Royalcam chick, Amīria. During 2021 their 2012 chick RLK (male) raised a chick known as SSTrig near the Royalcam chick, Tiaki.
Atawhai highlights https://youtu.be/8wrR5T86J7U via cornell labs
Here is a gif of Atawhai & Mom in 2020.
(https://i.gyazo.com/52bb36cdb78753bd4325524ebb8f4011.gif)
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Thanks for update to your thread. Good banding info.
I've been popping in now and then to do some reading. :)
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Northern Royal Albatross New Zealand South Island
Mom checking on her egg... ;D
(https://i.gyazo.com/51f8781e1f72b0b1177883d44643223c.gif)
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Royal Albatross New Zealand baby news! (http://www.millan.net/minimations/smileys/babysmilesf.gif)
(https://i.gyazo.com/8b04fdb738429361541da72b1af4fb16.gif)
Royal Albatross ~ The Royalcam Chick Hatches! Welcome To The World Little One! 🐣 1.26.22
https://youtu.be/amxGEkIn_5s via ladyhawk
Look who has arrived!! The Royalcam chick has hatched today and was returned to YRK! Welcome to the world little one! 🐣 ♥ Ranger Sharyn brought the wee chick to the nest, removed the dummy egg, sprayed a safe insect repellent around the nest to prevent flystrike and then presented YRK with her new chick! What a beautiful moment when YRK touches it with her bill and greets it! Sharyn smiles at the cam with a look of happiness on her face at the next Royalcam star!
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Very interesting. Many thanks for update and photos.
Congrats on new youngster hatching!
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New Zealand Royal Albatross little one QT
(https://i.gyazo.com/55ef5b805b7111d60159aa3053d2652a.gif)
RoyalCam chick’s wings got a good airing today.
She also got a very quick visit from YRK (off-cam - 14:58).
Then back to flight school.
Her paddles still on the ground, but the winds seem to be calling her more loudly now.
Keep your wings up QT. via royalalbatrosscam
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News via Royal Albatross Centre
The chicks are banded!
All 25 Northern Royal chicks have now received a stainless steel engraved band on their right leg, this is done each year prior to fledging so we can identify them when they return several years from now 🌏
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FZxXsAfUEAAR_C4?format=jpg&name=small)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FZxXsAeUsAAvAki?format=jpg&name=small)
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New Zealand Royal Albatross peek at egg...
Here is Dad giving us a peek at the egg 12-16-22
(https://i.gyazo.com/b9af2e8668d5f8b032078f6ce8da5a2e.gif)
Here is proud Mom and her egg...
(https://i.gyazo.com/014d5777e459e9eda89bdc693a25a440.gif)
Northern Royal Albatross 2022–23 Nesting Season Begins At South Plateau Site! https://youtu.be/_p-yCTa5BJ0 via cornell lab bird cams
We are happy to announce the new nesting site for the 2022–23 Northern Royal Albatross cam season! Male GLY (named for his colored leg bands: Green/Lime/Yellow) and female L (Lime) will be featured this season at the South Plateau nesting site located within the Taiaroa Head Nature Reserve on New Zealand’s South Island. Their single egg was laid on November 4, and the parents have been switching off incubation duties ever since!
This is the pair’s third breeding attempt, and they have successfully raised one male (2019) and one female chick (2021) since they began breeding in 2019. L returned to the headland in 2014, and GLY followed in 2015. They were both non-breeders looking for mates from 2016 to 2018.
Both parents contribute evenly to incubation duties, switching between bouts on the egg and foraging at sea. After a few changeovers, you’ll see the parents extend their foraging trips. Once the albatross start taking longer trips, they’re usually at sea for 7–14 days but can be longer.
The incubation period of the Northern Royal Albatross lasts around 11 weeks and is one of the longest of any bird species. During this time, rangers from the New Zealand Department of Conservation will conduct regular nest checks to inspect the egg and monitor the embryo’s growth in preparation for the chick’s arrival in late January.
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Lori Thank you so much for this update!
Congrats to the proud parents.
Great photos, too.
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Northern Royal Albatross cam update - 1/8
Better breezy, cooler conditions for L on her nest today.
In approx. over a week, it will be time to check the #RoyalCam egg for signs of hatching.
GLY & L’s egg is no 2. in the hatching schedule, but with nature’s timetable - expect the unexpected.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1612091997908783105
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1/10 19:25 - Royal Albatross update - Getting closer -
Once pipped the egg will be taken to an incubator to complete the hatching process. Controlled conditions minimizes fly strike risks, which can harm the chick.
More info on the hatching stage:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ETjHi2xa8ds&si=EnSIkaIECMiOmarE
Getting closer to pip
https://twitter.com/i/status/1612829168269668353
(https://i.pinimg.com/564x/57/ec/79/57ec79d78f89d138a8cd4502073c9938.jpg)
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Royal Albatross cam tweets
Time for new arrivals, incl. young adults returning.
Enjoy a couple of cam cameos – perhaps auditions for future cam stars?
Hatch checks begin tomorrow – soon we will meet the #RoyalCam star of this season.
Sleep well GLY.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1614637002162593793
1/15
Who was ‘blue’?
GLY’s visitor was indeed Moana - 1st #RoyalCam chick (2016)!!
Returning after 7 years.
GLY & Moana are also half-siblings (YWK - father).
The imminent arrival of 2023's chick, & now Moana's return is extra special.
Sweet reunion :-*
https://twitter.com/i/status/1614469435733180416
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1/17 10:08
Hatch time. ;D :-*
The #RoyalCam egg has pipped & is off to the incubator.
Hatching can take a few days (av. is day 79). GLY is now on a dummy egg.
The nest is sprayed with non-toxic, avian insect liquidator to reduce flies.
Safe travels #RoyalCam chick.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1615124622730735616
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1/18 #RoyalCam egg update.
This is the South Plateau egg.
The size of an av. adult hand – approx. 12cm x 8 cm.
It went into the incubator at Day 74.
Today at Day 75 - no update yet...GLY remains happily on the ceramic dummy egg.
Stay tuned.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fmu_PadaYAAfJwt?format=jpg&name=900x900)
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Thank you for posting updates here, Lani; I really enjoy this nest and the information.
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Hi Linda, you welcome! Look at this sweetie ;D
Royal Albatross cam
1/20 - Happy hatch day.
1st chick for the colony has hatched!
#RoyalCam chick is not too far behind.
Tomorrow (1/21) the #RoyalCam chick is expected to be returned to their nest.
GLY will be ready, will you be ready?
http://AllAboutBirds.org/Albatross
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fm5tarSagAAdA91?format=jpg&name=small)
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Amazing! This is so awesome; hope video is available when returned to nest.
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1/21 10:55
Here it is Linda! ;D
Special delivery for L.
Your chick is here.
With L & GLY’s nest change-over earlier this am (9:42), it is mum who gets to greet the chick for the 1st time.
Hello #RoyalCam chick – so glad to finally meet you.
Watch full clip at:
The #RoyalCam Chick Returns to the Nest Following a Successful Hatch! January 21, 2023
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ONOpOsOl2QE&si=EnSIkaIECMiOmarE
https://twitter.com/i/status/1616575505360359425
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/d4/6a/75/d46a75b114ae80612f6889f3c3d9cb8e.jpg)
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I just love that so much; what a special moment. I hope all goes well for them. Thank you so very much!
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Hi Linda, it's amazing how quickly mom accepts her chick from the ranger.
1/21 20:41
Hello #RoyalCam chick - a little late feed.
1st feed was brief (approx.15:20). The chick doesn’t need much at this stage, still sustained by the yolk sac.
A little 1st day 'wobble in their bobble' – but reaching for mum already.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1616813279724318720
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/01/68/cb/0168cb5626d020b7e546c9a6ce4c109c.jpg)
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1/22 8:16 #RoyalCam chick has already gained 100g - weighing 420g. (0.92 pounds).
During this stage – each feed provided by the parent will range from 10g to 100g a few times each day.
L & GLY chick doing & looking great. More info on each stage at:
https://doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/albatrosses/royal-albatross-toroa/royal-cam/what-to-expect/#Jan-Feb
Video - ranger is very gentle with chick, and mama is so proud :-*
https://twitter.com/i/status/1616989825588133888
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Royal Albatross ~ Adorable Closeups Of L Feeding Her Chick! ♥ Ranger Theo Weight Check 1.23.23 by Lady Hawk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kos1HAbFkAE
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/bf/5c/96/bf5c9699229df1ee89e48055c6a0cb51.jpg)
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Royal Albatross ~ Cuteness Overload! Beautiful Closeups Of L's Little One! ♥ Weight Check 1.24.23 video by Lady Hawk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81uOxbC_z6A&t=26s
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/c7/75/af/c775af8c12e3d8f5c89d598f0522beb1.png)
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Royal Cam 1/25 16:51
Dad is home! video https://twitter.com/i/status/1618222275999989761
Things have changed a little since GLY was away. Now he gets to meet his #RoyalCam chick for the 1st time.
His turn for guard duty.
Watch for more post-hatch info, including the guard stage at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=OkZVMx7p8QM
GLY returning home to a surprise!
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/be/c2/81/bec281c4d45d7913097c132d171ef79b.png)
L (mom) announcing the news of their new chick!
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/04/63/c0/0463c05913bf74d9d8b223bc3b2ac25b.png)
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Love these! Thanks so much.
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You are welcome Linda :)
1/29 9:12
Little wings, big wings. #RoyalCam chick has a little flap of their tiny wings.
From 8 days old to approx. 8 months, the time it will take SP to grow wings that will span over 3 metres.
We will enjoy every minute watching this chick grow.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1619707537800175617
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#RoyalCam chick is doing & growing well, weighing 890g (1/30). Watch SP’s weight check (9:53), chick squeaks too.
Daily checks continue until the weekend, then changing to weekly (Tuesdays AM).
Track SP's weight at:
http://doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/albatrosses/royal-albatross-toroa/royal-cam/track-the-chicks-weight/
https://twitter.com/i/status/1620385540507049985
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/6e/13/5e/6e135ea3305e4ddfc5310e63b74b1b81.png)
b]1/30 17:22 preening - maintaining their pair-bond is just as important as maintaining their feathers.[/b]
Though their focus is now on SP, a little time for some mutual preening, before GLY resumes his guard duties (17:26).
Start your week with some #RoyalCam alby love.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1620071488006270984
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/7c/cc/72/7ccc72c9b428417ea951d29d810c53ba.png)
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Royal Albatross - 2/3 20:37 - A warm day & the #RoyalCam chick is getting too big for constant brooding.
SP can also retain body heat better, less dependent on mum for this. Still relies on L for cover, when it is time to rest.
Enjoy some sunset sounds & alby zen to end your week.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1621514094665945090
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2/4 14:44 - Another warm day, with Rangers providing L & the #RoyalCam chick some heat relief. With a warming climate, nest irrigation is essential.
L's afternoon is meeting (not necessarily greeting) passing visitors, then it is just her & SP.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1621870764583714816
2/5 10:41 - This #RoyalCam swap meet was not so 'neat'.
GLY (DAD) returning for his turn to guard, seems super keen to resume his shift. This includes shifting L (MOM) off the nest.
Mind those feet - SP just wants to sleep.
No long farewell for mum this time. See you later L.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1622157236847149057
Both parents seem anxious to return to their chick (SP). Their time away from nest to forage is about two - three days.
(https://www.doc.govt.nz/thumbs/gallery/link/5909d3b638d9461e9026665d11a41567.aspx)
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2/8 #RoyalCam chick at 19 days old, still snoozing under the covers of L (Mum) before GLY arrived to resume guard duties.
How lucky we are to watch this chick grow from egg to fledge.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1623538152978927618
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/89/6b/19/896b19a49a7f3c0342c0447de424dfb5.png)
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(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/4d/2e/61/4d2e612657ae101caabc85c8305aa259.png)
Royal Albatross - 2/12 18:29
Mum continues to give SP some space when needed.
SP is busy preening – they have a lot of ‘growing-in’ their feathers to do.
But there is always plenty of room for L & her #RoyalCam chick to enjoy some evening sun together.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1624766538137104387
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Royal Albatross New Zealand
Fluffy cuteness & little yawns(http://dl.glitter-graphics.net/pub/575/575281br5nqkcttj.gif) (https://www.glitter-graphics.com)
(https://i.gyazo.com/67ffb8f01df9516d3529947df83041fb.gif)
(https://i.gyazo.com/29fbb9e26ecbe97160888d0078e9d590.gif)
Royal Albatross ~ SP Gets A Nice Afternoon feeding From L ♥ Yawns and Cuteness! 2.11.23 https://youtu.be/iYNDse0UHHw via ladyhawk
L gets up and touches her chick to wake them up ♥ Cute yawns and little preening by SP before Mom gives a quick afternoon feeding! Looks like SP is really gaining some good weight now. Soon GLY & L will not be able to brood SP like this and will have to be standing up mostly!
Royal Albatross ~ Sharyn Visits & Checks On SP ♥ Beautiful Closeups Of SP Preening Under Mom 2.12.23 https://youtu.be/ElIF0dE3NiM via lady hawk
SP is now 23 days old and is getting so big! Ranger Sharyn stops by to do a quick visit to check SP's bottom and then puts SP back under Mom L . All is good!! Enjoy some beautiful closeups of SP preening underneath Mom.
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thank you so much Lani for the beautiful updates and photos!!! Hi Linda! 💜
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Thanks Lori/Lani for all the updates
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Hi Lori and Phyl! My thanks too for the great gifs and updates. These birds are so amazing and wonderful; I love that they are monitored and helped in order that the species can survive.
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Hi Lori, Linda M and Phyl
Lori, great gifs and update :-*
Royal cam 2/15 16:54
All paddles, prods & preens at this #RoyalCam ‘party’.
GLY heads off after a not so elegant changeover, & L spends some time mutual preening with the remaining visitor (BO).
Visitors are good prep. for SP & the post-guard stage.
In the meantime – back with Mum.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1625850561085181954
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Royal Cam 2/16
Young Albatross yakking on the #RoyalCam behind sleeping L and SP chick. (LOL! ;D)
https://twitter.com/i/status/1626138297121771520
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/f5/20/9d/f5209d94275329829beb29f4b9080002.png)
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Royal Cam - 2/19 7:07
Dad GLY and SP chick's preening session and chick's little wingersize.
Watch those little wings grow over the coming months.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1627084417670971400
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/9e/b8/f0/9eb8f09ff90fe63bdd5db2ae86da1455.png)
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Northern Royal Albatross New Zealand South Island Cornell Labs
(https://i.gyazo.com/69341d616a7322e76a0a05037a3a6c3c.gif)
Royal Albatross Chick's First Solo Bout At Nest Is Short And Sweet | DOC | Cornell Labhttps://youtu.be/smZyQ7YWTaMvia cornell lab bird cams
The time has come for the Royal Albatross chick to spend some time at the nest alone! Watch the female (named "L") take off from the headland, leaving her 33-day-old nestling in charge at the nest site for the first time on February 22. In this case, L quickly returned to her guard duties, but this moment is a sign that the chick has grown old enough to enter the "post-guard" stage.
Soon, the chick will spend the most of the nestling period alone at the nest area. As the chick gets bigger it will need more food. To satisfy the hungry youngster, both adults hit the open ocean in search of food and only return to land during feedings.
The Royal Cam was set up in January 2016 by the Department of Conservation and the Cornell Lab has been collaborating with DOC since 2019 to bring the cam to life. To learn more while watching, view the cam at
https://www.doc.govt.nz/royalcam
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Thanks Lori :-*
This link provides info and a video about what to expect at the start of post guard and the curious juveniles.
https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/albatrosses/royal-albatross-toroa/royal-cam/what-to-expect/#Mar-Apr
I think this is the first night chick is left alone - cam Live. https://www.allaboutbirds.org/cams/royal-albatross/#
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/8b/fa/1c/8bfa1c2b92055b90c0cf7ed456c364fe.png)
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(http://A Tiny Royal Albatross Makes its First Skycall! February 28, 2023 # RoyalCam)
After an early visit this morning by another chick's parent, the #RoyalCam chick made its first adult-like vocalization: a beautiful skycall.
Well done chick, the first of many more to come.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Mfz487FVxE
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/68/01/d2/6801d2659a8a0defb689896f48084921.png)
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Marine wildlife thrive best in protected ocean areas. New Zealand's marine biodiversity:
https://doc.govt.nz/nature/habitats/marine/new-zealands-marine-biodiversity/
Scroll down to the graphic showing the continental shelf break where the ocean depth is around 2km deep, this is the area the Northern Royal Albatross feed in.
New Zealand is known for having one of the most unique marine environments on the planet. Learn more about the world we have underwater.
https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/habitats/marine/new-zealands-marine-biodiversity/
3/5 - Yesterday SP chick had a few visitors stop by BLY Dad of UQ chick & a Blue. Watch for the little wingercises at the end.
1. This week it is Sea Week in Australia & New Zealand
Both countries have marine focused activities, check them out here: https://msc.org/en-au/what-you-can-do/campaign-for-change/sea-week
https://twitter.com/i/status/1632132246219149313
Royal Albatross ~ Tumanako (ROR) Flies In Twice To Join Albie Party! SP Little Wings! 🐥 3.3.23 by Lady Hawk
Where the Albie party is located is another nest with chick. You can see it's little white head pop up towards end of video. Thank you Lady Hawk.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_eZqquZed4
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/ee/e7/f5/eee7f558915c13ecfb37be44697478be.png)
I wish I was on the cruise ship
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/6b/e6/65/6be665ba3d853673531e5d550631ae64.png)
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Royal Albatross cam - 3/8
News flash 📸
The DNA results are back, and SP chick is a male!
The last time there was a male chick was in 2017 with the young Tumanako ROR.
Ranger Sharyn's update below, and happy watching.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1633378129430609920
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FqrtBbHaUAEJQHB?format=png&name=small)
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/82/aa/df/82aadf7e7affa59a3cb6d9c084ad9013.png)
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Royal Albatross - 3/12
Ranger Sharyn stopped by SP chick's, he was on guard duty, and some great wingersizes. Look how big he is!
https://twitter.com/i/status/1634827443537338368
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/e7/c5/d6/e7c5d6840b5df68b36563a44ea239535.png)
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A young Albatross appeared, and L had to stop feeding chick to deal with the juvenile Alby.
Don't worry, Mum managed to finish feeding chick and the Alby lost interest and went to check the hose before walking off.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1634538812935409665
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/78/ab/87/78ab87e4bcc182ff8c91044a19d4cbac.png)
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Royal Albatross - 3/14 11:51
53 days old SP chick is 4 kg.
Weighing #RoyalCam chick could not have gone more smoothly, this morning.
His last weight was 3 weeks ago at 32 days weighing 2.4 kg
Thank you Rangers and well done chick.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1635478536105652225
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/60/9c/94/609c9451b6b9d258de6e1d3b6b535767.png)
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3/21
Wondering if SP chick has a full tummy? He sure does!
With Mum's feed on Sunday and Dad's yesterday, chick is well equipped to deal with the weather today.
Here's Dad GLY feeding chick yesterday and dealing with the juvie.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1638022151742840832
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/17/53/15/175315ecf95c0cbe6a0cf9e8215f6a08.png)
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Royal Albatross - 3/28 10 amIt's weigh day.
67 days old SP chick was relaxed for weighing this morning
His weight is 5.3 kg which is slightly on the light side but hoping with today's weather it will bring in another parent/food.
Check out "Track the chick's weight"
https://doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/albatrosses/royal-albatross-toroa/royal-cam/track-the-chicks-weight/
https://twitter.com/i/status/1640553400675999746
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/fe/4a/15/fe4a15ea8c6150750310bd28f290dcc8.png)
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Royal Albatross ~ SP Does A Lovely Skycall & Trilling To Neighbor RLK! ♫ ♥ 3.30.23 by Lady Hawk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39WSWNtFUho&t=30s
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Royal Albatross - 4/2
The view looking up at SP chick and UQ chick on the right, showing the 'edge' of the hill side out of cam view.
Daylight Saving Time ended in New Zealand last night. The clocks went back one hour at 3am Sunday. Thank you
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FsrV-W9aEAEVrnE?format=jpg&name=small)
Dad Gly arrives to feed SP, sweet greeting calls.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1641756510559817730
Dad feeding SP
https://twitter.com/i/status/1641758114189017099
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Royal Albatross - 4/5
SP chick was busy up the bank this morning, when a Harrier Hawk whizzed by in the background.
The Hawk is no threat to the Albatross chicks. You can read all about them here:
https://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/swamp-harrier
http://AllAboutBirds.org/Albatross
https://twitter.com/i/status/1643578039731892226
4/4 10:42
Guess who is in the 6 kg club?
South Plateau chick is 74 days old, and weighs 6.4kg
Could it have been Mum L's extra visit yesterday afternoon? 3 feeds in two days! Well done Mum!
https://twitter.com/i/status/1643175488461103105
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/f4/d9/ab/f4d9ab28b1817db4d132041755d6e11b.png)
Chick wasn't to sure but he can now be picked up like a big Alby too. Thank you DOC Rangers.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1643161791516790788
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/78/ac/28/78ac28b58be3ee75397fa69c5bc5dccd.png)
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Royal Albatross - Easter Day 4/9
All ruffled up, with breakfast to serve.
Dad GLY arrived to feed chick. It was an extended visit, with Dad disappearing up top before reappearing to sit and listen to chick's chatter.
GLY gave chick a small top up before heading off into the winds.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1645034107045548033
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/ff/27/3a/ff273ada8ca95f839cb834761a670e29.png)
4/10 12:14
Wings and wingercizes, and how about a skycall too.
#RoyalCam chick shows us how it's done.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1645387624033693696
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/25/02/3d/25023df965d1ec55c169802aa4bf4278.png)
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That's a great photo of the wingercizing & walking! Looks like it's smiling. Thanks, Lani.
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Thank you Linda, SP is doing very well. :)
Royal Albatross cam 4/12 10:48
Weigh day for the chicks. South Plateau chick at 82 days old weighs 7 kg.
This is a very good weight for this age and only 100g shy of the heaviest chick's weight, today.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1645977061889306624
(https://i.pinimg.com/564x/39/89/3e/39893e70a916cba653cb427b036fea95.jpg)
Dad Gly arriving with lunch for chick :-*
https://twitter.com/i/status/1647063263434395648
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Royal Albatross cam 4/17 16:05
SP chick looking sleepy and full, this afternoon. :-*
Could it be Mum L's afternoon tea, today? Most likely :)
L was also in yesterday too.
Sweet greetings from chick for Mum :-*
https://twitter.com/i/status/1647916078792843264
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/58/2e/1d/582e1d791352b40df9f2bc0d7bd0b27b.png)
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Thanks for sharing all these with us in the Beakroom.
I peek in here from time to time ---
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4/23 - Royal Albatross
The latest portrait video of SP chick. https://twitter.com/i/status/1649977158159458305
He is looking fab! Taken yesterday afternoon via the #RoyalCam
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/53/0c/71/530c7100d506763d69d98d522ee2b5e2.png)
4/24
Seen on the RoyalCam yesterday
A White-faced Heron flew past UQ & SP chicks and
then another chick appeared up the top of the bank, listen to SP chick :-*
📝Due to it being ANZAC Day tomorrow the colony's 33 chicks will be weighed on Thursday.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1650385955034116097
4/25
Dad GLY landed right in front of the webcam this morning, with breakfast for SP chick.
Enjoy their greetings, and thanks Dad. ;D
https://twitter.com/i/status/1650832802437533696
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Royal Albatross Cam 4/30
📝Tomorrow Monday May 1, the chicks will be weighed instead of the usual Tuesday, and SP chick will be 101 days old.
Here is South Plateau chick this morning, beside his excavations in the bank with North Top Flat chick, slightly visible, above.
Image credit: Sharyn Broni
4/29 12:14
Lunchtime treat.
Dad GLY arrives with lunch for SP chick.
Here's some good mouthfuls, and a few strands of spaghetti too.
There is still time to scroll back and watch Dad's visit.
Thanks for watching and enjoy your weekend.
Sweet calls to Dad :-*
https://twitter.com/i/status/1652236603937689601
4/29 This is my front lawn! ;D
SP chick was not too happy about a pair of adolescents stopping by, last evening.
Chick soon moved them off with his snapping bill.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1652096287150604288
4/28 Chick SP had a lot to say when he returned to his nest! ;D :-*
https://twitter.com/i/status/1652111538701111296
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fu8PQtraYAIIubX?format=jpg&name=small)
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Royal Albatross update - 5/1 13:01
Weigh day (instead of Tuesday)
SP chick is now the heaviest chick in the colony. ;D
At 101 days old chick weighed 10 kgs this morning, thanks to his 2 breakfasts.
Also, Mum L was in at 16:23 this afternoon.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1652997543461281794
Royal Albatross - 5/1
Early morning wingercizes, and a parent arrives! :-*
It is likely to be chick's Mum, L. Enjoy your breakfast SP chick.
Then a couple of hours later, Dad arrives with breakfast number 2, video below.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1652944311972147238
Royal Albatross - 5/3
How is this for a perfect landing in windy conditions? ;D
GLY arrived in grand fashion, to feed his #RoyalCam chick, yesterday.
Includes a brief close up GLY and SP chick, later on in Dad's visit.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1653527496107913217
Royal Albatross - 5/4 9:03
Don't forget to paddle scratch.
Damp/wet chicks can attract dirt & nest material, just like SP chick did this morning.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1653981825210146817
Also check out the highlight videos. Here is the latest one of GLY arriving in that 30-knot northerly.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=eNrNMHFWAGA
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/b0/da/8c/b0da8c5d58fc2cbcbd153a74e6070b1c.png)
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Lani - I so love the albatross videos...thank you.
That wind is something else....and it's the first time I have seen that building in the top left corner....5/3
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Hi Kb, I'm so glad you enjoy them too. Thanks for visiting :-*
Royal Albatross - 5/14 12:25
How nice to have #RoyalCam Mum L come in with lunch for SP chick on Mother's Day.
:-*
https://twitter.com/i/status/1657710848931143682
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/9e/d7/fa/9ed7fa1eed8d2d1b2e9cca20053a5e79.png)
Happy Mother's Day and blessed Sunday to our Beakers!
Morning Blschue, Lilbro, Lori, Clynn, Tsk, Lisa, Karen, Oldguy, Puff, Eagles, Kb, Tig, Baz, Phyl, Peep, Jaspurr, Pink, Jilltosa, BL, Eburg, Weasel, Ezee, Bggolden, T40, ssrl, Maxie, and All!
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Royal Albatross - 5/16 :-*
Weigh day - tricky bill this morning, SP chick.
With a big breakfast under his feathers, chick at 116 days old, weighed 9.4 kg this morning. Thank you Rangers.
Dad GLY was in for breakfast and also dinner today. Thanks Dad.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1658434630373224448
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/4a/bf/d8/4abfd85d7ad0202471b01cfd0a1b70e0.png)
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Royal Albatross - 5/20
Need inspiration to submit a name for SP chick.
How about Ocean, Atarangi or Delmar
Check out the details: https://bit.ly/3OxjeNz
Fill in the online form: https://bit.ly/3Wt5Mfp
Read the Terms & Conditions: https://bit.ly/3WlifSe
SP chick today, and enjoy your weekend.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1659833173222789121
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/7f/96/5c/7f965cd31b5062504bbabd42d34c7618.png)
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/fa/ce/89/face895c30e15231e6359d1959584c42.png)
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Royal Albatross - 5/20
Need inspiration to submit a name for SP chick.
How about Ocean, Atarangi or Delmar
Of those I like Atarangi. How about Moana (Maori for sea, ocean or large lake)? Although it is also a movie title. Good luck!
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Linda M, I like your suggestion of Moana, great name ;D
Royal Albatross update 5/22
A close up view of SP chick's eye and bill.
Watch chick's third eyelid. The nictitating membrane helps protect and keep chick's eyes moistened.
Tomorrow is weigh-in day! ;D
https://twitter.com/i/status/1660603467738787840
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Royal Albatross SP chick is 123 days old and weighs 8.4 kgs.
A weather change is forecasted and hopefully it will bring in a parent for chick.
Check the chick's weight: https://tinyurl.com/4dee65hp
The heaviest chick today weighed 9.5 kg
https://twitter.com/i/status/1660960635142950912
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/37/3f/11/373f117ff927e3f8a56dee1f45bfaa16.png)
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Royal Albatross - 5/26 14:19
It's #RoyalCam Dad GLY! ;D
GLY arrives to feed SP chick, he even fed chick up behind his nest.
It is a large piece of food GLY is maneuvering back down as he leaves.
Thanks Dad, and hopefully we will see Mum L soon.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLcRLWEUhbk&t=2s
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/c3/3a/f4/c33af4a72c0c6179a2bf05c3392193a8.png)
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Royal Albatross - 6/4
SP chick's early morning wingercizes. Chick's wingspan is nearly 2m. Wow :)
https://twitter.com/i/status/1665322548245196802
6/2
3 meals in 24 hours! Mum L first, followed by Dad GLY with his perfect landing, yesterday afternoon.
Then this morning, Mum L with a very windy breakfast. Thanks Mum and Dad.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1664432296836075521
There's another growing chick in the background. They often visit with each other. There's another one higher on the hill.
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/47/54/44/47544411ab4c5503bb4cd49a6fa5a10f.png)
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Royal Albatross 6/7
Rangers arrived to weigh South Plateau chick, this morning. He is 138 days old, and weighed 9 kg.
The heaviest chick today, weighed 10.3 kg.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1666373585479553024
Also check out Track the chick's weight here;
https://doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/albatrosses/royal-albatross-toroa/royal-cam/track-the-chicks-weight/
6/9 15:32
Wake up SP chick, your Dad is coming. A neighboring chick skycalls for SP chick's Dad.
Before GLY could feed SP chick he needed to go up the bank to check on the other chick, just to make sure she stayed up there :)
https://twitter.com/i/status/1667136975474950144
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/4d/34/55/4d3455a07c676b0d310739c925c032dd.png)
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Royal Albatross - 6/12 Looking good chick!
The latest portrait video of SP chick this morning, & a quick one up the bank looking around, this afternoon.
A few days left to vote for your favourite name for chick.
Voting closes Friday June 16 2023 at 5 pm NZST.
https://doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/albatrosses/royal-albatross-toroa/royal-cam/namethechick/
https://twitter.com/i/status/1668172963823374339
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/dd/fc/5d/ddfc5d3c1382935845c658cdd703d7a4.png)
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Royal Albatross 6/14 16:08
What a nice surprise, short & sweet
Mum L arrived with an early dinner for SP chick, we haven't seen her for a little while. Also a neighboring parent passes by.
L leaves, heading off into the sunset and back to SP chick, resting & digesting. I love to hear his calls to parent.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1668933659716636672
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/2d/31/c2/2d31c2f3f6af722905f1fbb46ca87936.png)
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/6f/d7/6d/6fd76d3c50fd99bcafe212f3f3daef3a.png)
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Royal Albatross - 6/19
Happy World Albatross Day 2023 & a perfect day to announce SP chick's name.
Introducing Manaaki the 8th #RoyalCam chick.
https://doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/albatrosses/royal-albatross-toroa/royal-cam/namethechick/
Chick was fed twice today Dad 10:44 & a parent at 16:26
https://twitter.com/i/status/1670702810969800705
Mannaki :-*
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/f0/16/95/f0169557ef8be21cee5bcad055c42243.jpg)
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/a0/73/d2/a073d25a97b039b51d0d27dd87115a20.png)
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Royal Albatross -
6/24 7:56
Wingercizing into the weekend with Manaaki and Upper Quarry chick.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1672414910100430850
Manaaki Weighing In At Over 24 Pounds!
https://youtube.com/watch?v=gl9hI0DRh4w
Manaaki Guzzles Down a Meal From Mum
https://youtube.com/watch?v=JPxLGrIV_e4
Incredible Close-ups of Manaaki
https://youtube.com/watch?v=WJH2kxasvvw
Enjoy!
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FzMRdjLaIAAUxz2?format=jpg&name=small)
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6/27 11:36
Weigh day.
First came the meal, then the Rangers to weigh Manaaki
and finally the weight.
Manaaki at 158 days old weighs 12 kg. Don't forget to check the graph. It had to be made bigger!!
https://twitter.com/i/status/1673572137591001088
Here is Dad GLY feeding his son Manaaki.
He arrived with breakfast this morning at 9:58 before weighing time.
Info-byte:
Manaaki is 1kg heavier than the next heaviest chick today and 2kg heavier than Royalcam chick Tūmanako at the same age.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1673583937707442176
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/92/69/ae/9269ae7faa2168a7fc8225b656e398a8.png)
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Royal Albatross - 6/30
High 5
Manaaki earlier this week airing out his nest & stretches. Note the curve of his tail feathers too
https://twitter.com/i/status/1674615778719698944
Latest highlight video
In case you missed the weighing this week, it's worth watching Heaviest Albatross in the Colony! Manaaki!
https://youtube.com/watch?v=jECXYdoknwo&t=3s
Royal Albatross ~ TF Chick Almost Coming Down Hill! Manaaki Tail Wiggles, Wings & Paddles 6.30.23 video by Lady Hawk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xGbCET5PsM&t=31s
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/c8/62/9d/c8629dd9e7ecd3caab1983d1b547f289.png)
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Explore Bird cams :(
7/5
Well, the recent weekend changes to @Twitter
have completely removed the ability of our talented & devoted volunteer moderators to share content from the cams w/viewers & interact. We're working on a plan B, but a new platform may be necessary. We'll share as we learn more...
Royal Albatross twitter - 7/2 (this is the last one posted :( )
A light dusting of snow this morning on the distant hills didn't deter Manaaki from his wingercises.
The chicks are well equipped for this type of weather with insulating feathers/down.
There has been rain/sleet & snow this afternoon too.[/i]
https://twitter.com/i/status/1675377868476645377
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FzMRdjLaIAAUxz2?format=jpg&name=small)
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7/11
A trio of good things
It's weigh Day
Manaaki is 172 days old and weighed 11 kg. Mum L arrives to excited yaps and a skycall from the neighbor, and also some wings for good measure. Keep an eye on his left foot.
Thank you Rangers and Mum.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1678752913437634560
7/10
It's a good day when one parent arrives with a meal but how about both parents.
Mum with brunch and Dad with afternoon tea, thanks Mum and Dad.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1678373202119233537
Have a good week everyone!
A good comparison of Manaaki's feathers and Dad :-*
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/56/1d/6e/561d6e150f942015f0c59d85df705949.png)
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7/13
🎥Hi everyone, 3 #RoyalCam highlight videos for you.
Build those muscles, Manaaki!
https://youtube.com/watch?v=k1oXGisfRcc
Manaaki weighs a whopping 11 kg (25.25 lbs)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=Jcktgb_if_A
Two-Meal Day For Manaaki
https://youtube.com/watch?v=m3rkMLeZ-Jo&t=467s
Look at her gorgeous wings today! :-*
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F06L32jagAI6fDm?format=jpg&name=small)
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Royal Albatross - Manaaki went to check out a plot of land next door. The grass is greener and a view, you can't beat.
Then back to his nest. Oops! Mind that ditch you made Manaaki.[/i][/size]
https://twitter.com/i/status/1680558142839480321
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/f1/8a/79/f18a79a4601ae3e4f6d1f8b3ad9e0bed.png)
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Royal Albatross cam - 7/16
Manaaki neighbor's interactions
NTF North Top Flat chick paid a short visit close to Manaaki before she made a quick exit.
Manaaki also snipped at a few strands of grass as if to say that's mine :)
https://twitter.com/i/status/1680342758287085568
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F1HJ7gtagAAbNiX?format=jpg&name=large)
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Royal Albatross 7/24
Hope you all had a good weekend. Here is Manaaki's latest #RoyalCam portrait video. He is looking fantastic.
Today, Manaaki also went further afield...
https://twitter.com/i/status/1683358499420647424
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/fe/62/8c/fe628c865cde6eaea445ea9672fe8601.png)
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Royal Albatross 8/11
This afternoon Manaaki at 203 days old, was weighed and supplementary feed 600ml of rehydrating fluids and 1 kg of fish and octopus. Yum!
🎥In case you missed it, here is Manaaki's recent GLS attachment with explanations.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=jY9IKG-3yEw
8/10
Julia holding an Albatross chick with their GLS device.
The devices are very small and attached to the S-S band with a very small cable tie. Kalinka from Parker Conservation helped with the attachments. Thank you. https://parkerconservation.co.nz
Photos credits: Kalinka Rexer-Huber
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F3IHkRlbAAYYMJ8?format=webp&name=small)
Royal Albatross - 8/9
Wind and Wings
Manaaki used the winds to help him with his wingercizes, and strengthen those flight muscles.
He also attempted a jump or two while hopping about.
Clever chick. ;D
A Black-billed gull dropped in to look, too.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1684561514903347200
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/1c/fd/27/1cfd27d707731eeaba21570cb66589af.png)
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Royal Albatross - 7/28
Today was a big day at Pukekura with all 33 chicks banded with a Stainless-Steel band & a unique permanent alphanumeric darvic band.
Manaaki is D36 darvic band, and black for males.
NTF chick is D17 darvic band, and yellow for females.
The bands are large with the internal diameter of 19 mm The Stainless-Steel bands are a height of 12 mm & take careful adjusting to get them on the leg.
In 2/3 weeks the S-S bands will be checked during weigh day to make any adjustments prior to fledging
Thank you Sharyn & Colin
https://twitter.com/i/status/1684850090580873216
What an armful! ;D :-*
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F2HPHu3bQAEqwfI?format=webp&name=360x360)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F2HPHv2a8AAbmAJ?format=webp&name=360x360)
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Royal Albatross - 7/31 World Ranger Day
A time to think about all the wonderful and hard work Rangers do in your part of the world.
Thank you to all the DOC Rangers at Taiaroa Head, looking after the Northern Royal Albatross and their environment here at the colony. Have a great day!
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F2Uqer8bgAAYaBn?format=webp&name=small)
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Royal Albatross 8/3
Sharing a recent photo of Manaaki & his neighbours: Image credit: Sharyn Broni.
Left, Upper Quarry chick KD40 (K Black)
South Plateau chick Manaaki in the middle KD36
North Top Flat chick YD17 (Y Yellow) she has moved closer to the cam from her original nest.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F2kbEMUbgAQcd4-?format=webp&name=small)
Yesterday's weather was a bit of everything, winds, (SW 50 to 68 knots) rain & sleet
Ranger Sharyn "We do not handle the birds over 50 knots. Over 60 knots we do not go onto the hill side. Over 80 knots it is very difficult to stand up."
Safety first!
https://twitter.com/i/status/1686905393900027907
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Royal Albatross - 8/8
Manaaki is 200 days old today & weighed 8 kg. He will be supplementary fed tomorrow or Thursday.
Data logger attachment (GLS Global Location Sensor)
Also today 20 chicks, 10 males including Manaaki & 10 females were each fitted with a tiny GLS device.
~more info to follow.
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/2a/d9/78/2ad9783ae46fbbf860eb9df065e46bc6.png)
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/d1/d3/8a/d1d38a659bfff0b616b8bf8d7a462ed2.png)
8/9 GLS (Global Location Sensor)
Hi everyone, this is the information about the GLS provided by DOC Ranger Sharyn.
Image credit: Sharyn Broni. Thank you.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F3C4bXtboAIMmRA?format=jpg&name=medium)
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Royal Albatross 8/11
This afternoon Manaaki at 203 days old, was weighed and supplementary feed 600ml of rehydrating fluids and 1 kg of fish and octopus. Yum!
🎥In case you missed it, here is Manaaki's recent GLS attachment with explanations.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=jY9IKG-3yEw
8/10
Julia holding an Albatross chick with their GLS device.
The devices are very small and attached to the S-S band with a very small cable tie. Kalinka from Parker Conservation helped with the attachments. Thank you. https://parkerconservation.co.nz
Photos credits: Kalinka Rexer-Huber
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F3IHkRlbAAYYMJ8?format=webp&name=small)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F3IHmxVaMAM3A_b?format=png&name=900x900)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F3IHpGMa0AAfhDb?format=png&name=900x900)
Royal Albatross
Think we've done our dash on the electronic side of things for now :) How about the latest highlight video:
Wings On Windy Afternoon with Manaaki.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=lzqBjr9a64I
Keep an eye out for the jump!
http://AllAbout.birds.org/Albatross
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F3ISwEragAA8TzB?format=webp&name=small)
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Royal Albatross - 8/14 15:14
Is that you up there Dad?
Look who the afternoon sun brought in. Dad GLY arrives to feed Manaaki. Great to see Dad & great for Manaaki too.
Dad was last in July 30, so its really good to see him, hope we see Mum soon too.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1691054600563077121
8/14 8:02
What's up Manaaki?
The very sociable Quarry chick, grubby tum and all, came to see Manaaki this morning.
Even though Quarry gave a great skycall, Manaaki wasn't having it.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1690979196062048256
8/13
Manaaki, yesterday, from his feet to the top of his head.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
https://twitter.com/i/status/1690517387333046273
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/90/45/71/9045719bf7dd693a185f0c287f047252.png)
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/ea/fa/c0/eafac0095a7ef2d878733ce7f8e4760d.png)
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RoyalAlbatrossCam
Aug 15
8/15 Weigh day
Manaaki is 207 days old today & weighed 9.8 kg.
Here are 2 other chicks weights to compare.
UQ chick, younger than Manaaki, weighed 7.3 kg, he was suppl. fed & a male chick,
similar age to Manaaki, weighed 11.3 kg.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1691428464891760641
8/15
Also Dad GLY was in this morning with breakfast for Manaaki.
Enjoy Manaaki's squeals and yaps ~ mind your ears though.
Thanks Dad, nice to see you again. :-*
https://twitter.com/i/status/1691431122746712065
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/19/2c/b7/192cb7712c4249a171ae7be363bae091.png)
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Royal Albatross 8/19 What did they say to each other?. They're cute ;D ;D ;D
Yesterday afternoon, Manaaki went down to see UQ chick. They exchanged a skycall or 2, and some yaps and bill claps.
Enjoy your weekend, and thank you.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1692681826773721233
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/9d/0c/a2/9d0ca2c36853c211a81f37641a4fc6b0.png)
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Royal Albatross 8/19 What did they say to each other?. They're cute ;D ;D ;D
This was great! Thanks, Lani :)
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Hi Linda, glad you enjoy the updates. Manaaki is a hoot, and I'll miss him when he fledges! ;D
Royal Albatross Cam - 8/23 ;D
8/23 Flight training in progress x3
Hi everyone, there was no weighing yesterday but only for a few chicks like UQ chick
Manaaki was 9.8 kg last week, & he has been fed 7x since Aug 19 including this morning with Mum L.
Thanks Mum, & Dad too.
http://AllAboutBirds.org/Albatross
Manaaki, UQ chick and friends practice wingersizing! ;D
https://twitter.com/i/status/1694126802279772388
A few highlight videos & pics to share
Manaaki Visits His Neighbor
https://youtube.com/watch?v=7Hg5Yn1m4zI&t=1s
Chick Practices Hovering Under A Rainbow
https://youtube.com/watch?v=kUuzW_Z3_5w&t=7s
Mum L Drops In To Feed Her Giant Nestling
https://youtube.com/watch?v=c2oa9onmugo&t=2s
This morning at the webcam and Mum L
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F4LHJ0sbwAAsJbV?format=webp&name=360x360)
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Royal Albatross Chick "Manaaki" Waddles In For A Close Up | DOC | Cornell Lab
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qU1ap4SVjkM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F4LCTl1aIAAXx-d?format=jpg&name=large)
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Royal Albatross cam - 8/28
Breaking News: A chick has fledged!
The First Otago Albatross Fledgling A Record Setter
~Please click the link below to read the full press release
https://doc.govt.nz/news/media-releases/2023-media-releases/first-otago-albatross-fledgling-a-record-setter/
Godspeed Gunpit chick
Image credit: Hayden Parsons Gunpit chick 4 days prior to fledging. Gorgeous!
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F4mZSxUa4AATCW5?format=png&name=small)
8/27
Up up and away...ok not quite.
A perfect wet and windy morning to practise flying. Manaaki,
UQ chick and NTF chick showing different stages of flight training from jumping into the air to hovering out of view.
Enjoy and thank you.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1695764441223287161
PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE for Manaaki and neighbor chick!! Soon they will be gone.
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/41/c8/f3/41c8f3591af1e003b663b1fadf8ae5ac.png)
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Northern Royal Albatross New Zealand... check out Manaaki!!!💜
So proud Lani!!!
(https://i.gyazo.com/c87dc30df9f869c2540e5201c047c15e.gif)
(https://i.gyazo.com/fe17df42148cbbfd4d23ac3b0feede96.gif)
Royal Albatross ~ Manaaki Is Almost Ready To Fly! 💗 Beautiful Wing Exercises & Closeups! 8.28.23
https://youtu.be/GtazvBB2tYc?feature=shared
Manaaki is 220 days old and he is getting close to fledging! We are in the homestretch now with the chicks getting ready to take flight. Today, we had the first fledge of the 2023 season - Gunpit chick at 217 days old.
Manaaki has a gorgeous view of the sea from his nest and we have a gorgeous view of him!! He will also head to the grassy area close to the cam where a small prism of light like a diamond adorns him (just like Pippa, Tiaki & QT Lilibet had their diamonds) Manaaki does some gardening and then heads back and look out over the sea and perform his wing exercises! Thank you for watching!
Video captured & edited by Lady Hawk
Media release 28 August 2023
First Otago albatross fledgling a record setter! The first fledgling toroa/northern royal albatross to leave Pukekura/Taiaroa Head on Otago Peninsula this season set a record when he spread his wings and set off to spend years at sea. DOC Dunedin ranger Sharyn Broni says the male is the youngest on record to fledge, taking flight on Sunday —Gunpit chick at just 217 days after he hatched. He will spend the next 4-10 years at sea before returning to the colony. “The previous record for youngest fledgling was 219 days and the average is 240 days. We think he fledged so early because he had really regular feeding from his parents, meaning he was in good condition and at a good weight, and perfect fledging conditions on Sunday with strong winds blowing him straight out to the ocean. “The chick is one of 20 which has been fitted with a tracker that will record his movements for about the next three years. Previously the species has only been tracked for up to one year, so we’re excited to learn more about what these juveniles do in their first few years.”The trackers do not transmit the bird’s location but save the data on the unit, which will be retrieved when they return to the colony. He is the first fledgling of 33 toroa chicks at the colony this season. If all fledge successfully it will be the highest number on record to do so in a season. The current best is 30 chicks in 2021. That includes the Royal Cam chick, Manaaki, who has been the focus of the popular 24-hour online live stream, run in partnership with Cornell University’s Lab of Ornithology in New York. Manaaki has been stretching his wings in the breeze but is not quite ready to begin his journey.
Sharyn says it’s been a very successful breeding season at the colony so far, though it has had its eventful moments.
“One major event was a female going to the Dunedin Wildlife hospital with acute liver failure near the end of the guard stage, which is the first 30-40 days when parents stay with their chicks to protect them. “Remarkably she pulled through after a two week stay in hospital — a first for a breeding toroa — and is back successfully raising her chick.” However, one unfortunate trend that’s been observed is parents returning to feed their chicks with plastic in their stomachs, which is then regurgitated for the chick, says Sharyn Broni. “Plastic is a serious threat for albatross. It can look like food when it’s floating in the ocean so the birds often catch it, which is a choking hazard for both parents and chicks. It can also fill up their stomachs which causes the birds to effectively starve, as plastic has no nutritional value.
“Easy ways you can help albatross and other seabirds include picking up rubbish when you’re at the beach or near waterways, reducing your plastic use where possible, and carefully disposing of any plastic you do use.” Te Poari o Pukekura chair Nadia Wesley-Smith says, “It’s always pleasing to hear of a successful fledging, and this one beating the record for earliest recorded fledging shows the importance of regular feedings from parents and how that impacts the overall population of toroa at Pukekura. With the tracker attached, we’ll also look forward to gaining new insights on their activity during the years spent away from the headland”. Otago Peninsula Trust and Royal Albatross Centre Ecotourism Manager Hoani Langsbury says, “As a father myself, I always think of the first chick to fledge as heralding in the empty nest concept as the birds start their big OE. This is both a sad and exciting time for staff. We’re looking forward to the first returners for next season.”
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Lori, thank you for posting your great gifs and info!
I love this big boy so much. I'm going to miss him very much when he fledges.
But, right now, I enjoy seeing him grow! :-*
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Royal Albatross 8/30 9:10
Morning fun.
Besides keeping track of Manaaki and his neighbors it's nice to pause
and watch the interactions between the chicks especially this morning with Quarry chick
displaying in front of Manaaki.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1696767810184339784
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F4wwBsnacAAxCiJ?format=jpg&name=large)
2 Highlight Videos to share
Chicks Flap Their Wings As Gulls Fly Overhead
https://youtube.com/watch?v=oar6PTonjdE
Royal Cam Chick Weighed By Rangers
https://youtube.com/watch?v=Gg62axh0uBQ
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Royal Albatross 9/2
It's the weekend & we have a few links to share
What to expect in September/October
https://doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/albatrosses/royal-albatross-toroa/royal-cam/what-to-expect/#Sept-Oct
& when it starts to get a little quiet you can checkout the YT Royalcam playlist
https://youtube.com/watch?v=0VccrYCx9xw&list=PLXJZ8Lf9KIx6iS2ncZFMv_-8H5svLN97H
Quarry chick thought she could walk by Manaaki & his nest... ;D it's fun watching them!
https://twitter.com/i/status/1697870850438123743
9/2
A good start to the weekend for Manaaki.
Mum L with brunch and Dad GLY with an early dinner.
Quarry chick dropped in to watch Mum and Manaaki. ;D
https://twitter.com/i/status/1697897466564419994
Manaaki's back to cam and Quarry Chick facing him and showing off his wings! Manaaki could care less! ;D
https://twitter.com/i/status/1696767810184339784
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/d8/27/06/d82706af6a2c6ec682fd14c79856b8f7.png)
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/7f/62/e2/7f62e202dd97993fbc320fc89dd79fe3.png)
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Royal Albatross - 9/6
Only lightweight chicks were weighed yesterday. Six chicks, including UQ (Upper Quarry) chick were supplementary fed.
Manaaki is 229 days old today. At 221 days old he weighed 10.4 kg.
Early evening quiet time, last night with Manaaki. :-*
Enjoy your day.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1699222064266355096
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/32/bd/11/32bd11ac123038d46f46ac6b7ae42e95.png)
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9/5 #RoyalCam 2 in 1
Wonder where they walked too.
NTF chick & Q chick returned from a morning walk to be greeted by Manaaki & UQ chick
and yesterday. Run Parent Run ;D
A parent either arriving or leaving ran into 3 yapping chicks. Manaaki UQ & Q chicks
https://twitter.com/i/status/1698860641887662397
(https://i.pinimg.com/564x/04/bf/38/04bf38518dfba7c50b37c458e2ecf380.jpg)
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Royal Albatross cam 9/7
Yesterday's neighborly interactions.
Manaaki and his neighbors UQ chick and Q chick
Click the YT link to see what Manaaki does.
Manaaki doesn't seem pleased with the neighboring albatross chicks. I'll miss their antics! LOL! ;D
Royal Albatross Chick "Manaaki" Claps Bill At Encroaching Neighbors
https://youtube.com/watch?v=emp6NRPy3GM&t=1s
Q Chick's under wing feather changes
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/d1/6c/75/d16c75e4a5939fcb7d45fe883efc95d6.png)
Neighbor Quarry Chick has lost most of its baby fuzz
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/26/e1/e9/26e1e94f530f1f9860de9c5d46118a14.png)
Manaaki's feathers are more defined now, and losing the baby fuzz, soon he will fledge. I'll miss him.
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/66/39/cb/6639cbbf5e6a1744cfe1c0a5ce579c68.png)
https://twitter.com/i/status/1699547382151835720
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Royal Albatross - 9/9 This morning.
It's the weekend, time to catch up with the neighbor...or maybe not.
Manaaki (right) Q chick with brown spots(left), and UQ chick watching from the sideline. Have a great weekend everyone. LOL!! ;D
https://twitter.com/i/status/1700471777733054773
An afternoon X tra
Manaaki also had a parent come in to feed him. Look how quickly he moved up the hill. :-*
https://twitter.com/i/status/1700475118445875568
9/8 Friday catchup
Hovering was the order of the day, yesterday.
Manaaki first with a few practise jumps then Quarry chick hovering across the screen & Upper Quarry chick going straight up and down.
A quick note NTF chick has fledged
Bon voyage NTF chick!
https://twitter.com/i/status/1700043481375560054
I want to reach up and grab his talons. I don't want him to leave. :-* ;D
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/3f/f3/56/3ff356818fda8e718619f9d885253031.png)
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Royal Albatross ~ PADDLES UP! UQ Practicing Hovering! Slycall By Manaaki & Dual Wingers ✈️ 😊 9.11.23
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZZBvDVyCX0
Manaaki has the sweetest calls! Keep watching he returns to his nest in the rain after practicing his flight wings. He's the one on the left. Thank you Lady Hawk :-*
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/8f/16/94/8f1694f984f844bba999762be07e4502.png)
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9/12
X tra news
A chick fledged in #RoyalCam view at 13:45 today. Confirmation is needed to whether it was Quarry chick or chick YD00. Both were in the UQ area and weighed this morning.
Slo-mo footage included, and thanks everyone.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1701561224214007909
9/12
Sharyn Broni Ranger
Kia ora koutou
In preparation for the start of the new Toroa season for 2023/2024 the Dunedin City Council has produced a video about the tradition of the bell ringing for the arrival of the first toroa for the next season
Sep 11, 2023 #dunedinnz #dunnerstunner
We’re not sure why or when it started, but for the last few decades, when the northern royal albatross return to Pukekura/Taiaroa Head after a year at sea, it’s been a Dunedin NZ tradition to ring in the return of the wandering toroa for the breeding season. Find out more about the wildlife capital of NZ: www.dunedinnz.com/wildlife
https://youtube.com/watch?v=uanfnBN6OPI
We expect that the first Toroa will arrive in the next couple of weeks. We will notify everyone when that happens, in the meantime get your bells ready and Take 3 for the Sea https://take3.org
Ngā mihi nui (thanks so much)
Stay tuned for fledging update this afternoon.
Manaaki :-*
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F5x1UTfaEAErCmJ?format=webp&name=small)
Royal Albatross - 9/12
Weigh day
Today Manaaki is 235 days old & weighed 9.2 kg.
He was fed up top by a parent on the 9th & 11th
Fledging news
9 chicks from the 33 have fledged, but numbers could have changed by this afternoon, with the strong winds.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1701555500884857325
Manaaki :-*
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/8e/6f/6b/8e6f6b9876fffbb49a1026c66bcf4c37.png)
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Read about the Royal Albatross-Toroa
https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/albatrosses/royal-albatross-toroa/
Migration and foraging trips
Renowned ocean wanderers, royal albatross travel vast distances from their breeding grounds to feed – as much as 190,000 km a year. Royal albatross range throughout the Southern Ocean and are most commonly seen in New Zealand coastal waters during winter.
Birds have been banded on Campbell Island since the early 1940s. Returned bands show young birds and nonbreeders migrate to southern South American waters and back to New Zealand.
In other work, satellite transmitter packages developed by French, British and Australian researchers were used to track the birds’ flight paths. Signals were monitored by satellite and the information used to learn more about the birds while at sea. One bird travelled 13,000 kilometres during a two-week foraging trip.
The following map shows GPS tracks of three adult breeding birds during their foraging trips from Taiaroa Head. They were tracked between February and May 2012.
(https://www.doc.govt.nz/contentassets/5bb01a12eb9f4d0085e82edeab27b0a3/royal-albatross-migration-map-565.jpg)
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Manaaki and his friend are still there! :-*
9/14
2 yapping chicks and some gastronomical seafare.
Yesterday Mum L arrived to feed Manaaki...Please click the link to continue watching. Thank you :)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=qct76UEeyDY&t=1s
http://AllABoutBirds.org/Albatross
https://twitter.com/i/status/1702140670700658954
9/14
Manaaki expelled a bolus very early yesterday morning.
Julia is collecting the pieces under Manaaki's supervision. He had scattered some of it around his nest.
An update will follow of its contents soon, as the Rangers are very busy.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1702147297805848803
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9/15 2 Albatross chicks needed rescuing.
Sharyn Broni Ranger, DOC Kia ora koutou (hello everyone)
Yesterday 2 chicks were on the harbour after a failed fledge attempt. Cont'd below
Manaaki and UQ chick this morning.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1702475781556109633
9/15
A very big thank you to the Rangers and the Rescue team, retrieving the 2 chicks from the harbor, too try again. https://porttoport.co.nz
Thank you Sharyn for the update and the latest fledging news too. Please click to read the full update.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F6BozZqbcAAQ4EB?format=png&name=medium)
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Royal Albatross - 9/17
The winds & the seas called, and Manaaki responded. He has fledged.
I was watching this on the Live cam, his neighbor UQ chick is watching :'(
This is Lady Hawk's video - Royal Albatross ~ MANAAKI FLEDGES! Floats Down The Hill & Out Of View 💗 Congratulations! 9.16.23
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9ArgVuAv98&t=38s
Wishing Manaaki the South Plateau #RoyalCam chick
all the very best as he navigates his way across the South Pacific Ocean.
Please read Sharyn's full update below. Thank you!
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F6McJZZbcAAU76J?format=jpg&name=4096x4096)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F6Mh7ahbAAA74Zh?format=jpg&name=medium)
9/17
...and something a little more worrisome, plastic pieces found its way into Manaaki's diet.
Thank you everyone for taking the time to read Sharyn's update and thank you for all your comments, and thoughts for Manaaki today.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F6MnKJUbwAAyt9K?format=jpg&name=medium)
I will continue watching UQuarry chick.
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UQ was lonely with everyone gone and hungry too. His parents haven't been seen for a few days. Manaaki's mom L comes to feed Manaaki, but he has fledged, she refuses to feed UQ.
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/e6/2f/80/e62f80557e01eec503bf61c6bae25c0b.png)
Royal Albatross ~ Mum Lime Returns Two Times Looking For Manaaki 💗 UQ Comes Running Over 9.17.23 video by Lady Hawk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jyvqQBSAag&t=86s
Sep 16, 2023
Ranger Sharyn reported this morning that our sweet Prince Manaaki has fledged at 240 days old. UQ chick has been looking all day for his friends as one by one they have left and he is alone now on the track. First it was Miss Sassypants NTF - full of attitude and owning the hill. She was the first one to give UQ a clack & display! Then Miss Quarry chick - who was very close to UQ and spent most of her time sitting, talking and displaying to him! Now his albie bro Manaaki has left and joined his cohorts flying over the sea - leaving UQ all alone. ♥
Mama Lime arrives back to the nest and she does not know that Manaaki fledged. UQ chick sees a parent come in and rushes over wheeing & hoping for a meal. But Mama Lime is here for only Manaaki and she clacks at UQ. L goes to her nest and sniffs for Manaaki's scent. The nostrils of the albatross are highly sensitive and she is trying to determine if his scent is still fresh or not. Mama Lime waits for ten minutes for her sweet boy - she came back with perhaps another mother load of squid for him and wants to feed him but finally she flies off.
But L returns a half hour later and looks for Manaaki again. It is time to get those tissues out....she is really missing her baby. Mama Lime waits for him at the nest - she does not know where he is but her instincts told her to come back to the nest for him. She sniffs the nest again for Manaaki's scent. Bless her heart - a Mother's love knows no bounds, UQ is hopeful he can get a feeding too but realizes she is only here for Manaaki. (UQ chick had a good feeding this morning from the rangers)
Mama Lime will fly off in a beautiful departure over the sea. Maybe this time she will not look back, knowing her work has has been accomplished and it is time for her to fly back to South America to renew and rest. GLY does not know that Manaaki has fledged so he will probably return looking for him as well.
It is always a sad time to see a parent come in and not see their chick that they have been caring for 7.5 months suddenly not here! The parents will head across the Pacific Ocean to feed in the waters around South America now. GLY and L will live separate lives until they once again return to breed. They will not breed during the 2023/2024 season but with good fortune, they both will come back in October 2024 to breed again for the 2024/2025 season.
Farewell sweet Mama Lime - you have done an excellent job ♥ Godspeed and stay safe. Thank you for watching!
Video captured & edited by Lady Hawk
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Royal Albatross ~ GLY dad Is BACK Looking & Waiting For Manaaki 💗 UQ Does More Amazing Hovering 9.18.23
Sep 17, 2023
UQ chick decides to do some wing exercises and hovering early this morning! He flaps his wings and then goes straight up in the air with his paddles hanging down lol wheeee! He is getting really good at these moves! He then spots a parent coming in and landing at Top Flat and he rushed over there wheeing hopeful for a feeding. It is our dear GLY who has come home after a long fishing trip at sea (nine days) to feed his Manaaki. But Manaaki had fledged and he missed out on both parents L and GLY coming in to give him one last feeding.
GLY clacks at UQ as he makes his way towards his nest to look and wait for Manaaki. GLY waited a long time in the grass hoping to see his big boy come paddling home wheeing like he has every single time. But there was silence at the empty nest...
GLY then goes towards UQ chick who begs a couple of times...GLY then turns around and goes back toward the nest - all the while looking for his chick before he departs. UQ chick will go up in some amazing hovering as he continues to practice his flying skills.
Now that both GLY and L (who came in two times yesterday) have seen that Manaaki is no longer here on the headland, they will head back to South America and take the next year off to renew their energy reserves, regain some weight and molt their feathers after having successfully raised their chick to fledging! His Royal Roundness will be a legacy for GLY and L and for all future generations to come! Good job & Farewell GLY ♥ Thank you for watching!
Video captured & edited by Lady Hawk
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Royal Albatross ~ Dedicated Super Dad GLY Returns A 2nd Time Looking For His Manaaki 💗💞💗 9.18.23
Sep 17, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0J1NQgMOCz8
Just like Mama Lime, GLY has also returned two times looking for Manaaki not knowing that their big boy has fledged. UQ chick is so hopeful the parent is for him but alas it is not. GLY comes to his nest and lies down in it and sniffs it for Manaaki's scent. The albatross have a very keen sense of smell and he is searching to see if Manaaki had been here recently. GLY is a very dedicated Dad - just like Mama Lime - they are both two outstanding parents.
I have to say this second visit did get to me seeing that they do everything in their power to make sure their chick is fed and cared for. It is sad to see the empty place where our Prince Manaaki spent 7.5 months lovingly tending to his nest! It is more than just instinctual - they are emotionally connected to their chick. They must see how empty the colony is by now and know that the time is drawing near for their own departure to South America. Thank you GLY for an outstanding year of devotion you have displayed to your mate and to your big boy Manaaki. Stay safe and godspeed GLY. Till we meet again...💗💞💗 Thank you for watching!
Video captured & edited by Lady Hawk
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Royal Albatross ~ UQ Dual Hovers w/ Another Chick! Crashes A Feeding & Takes Short Cut Home 9.18.23
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJXzfoblZ6c&t=106s
Sep 18, 2023
UQ chick hears another chick wheeing and getting fed by a parent down the track to the right and of course, he has to paddle over there to crash the party. UQ is now taking Manaaki's place as the parent crasher! He then starts to walk back towards his nest but decides to take a short cut and flight express hovering home instead! So much more efficient and so fast!!
UQ will head to Top Flat and is seen hovering in sync with another chick! Very cool to watch the dual hover. I am not sure if that one chick fledged or just came down out of cam view. UQ makes his sneaky way back to his spot. Then it is back over to Top Flat again! Rangers check to see who is up there and Julia reports is was UQ. He is seen hovering again and then out of view. UQ shows back up in his spot again. Another exciting and fun day for UQ - I am glad he found a new friend to fly with! Thank you for watching!
Video captured & edited by Lady Hawk
The rangers give UQ a feeding late yesterday.
He/she tries
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/b3/8f/e2/b38fe2958fd416f5310635041fe99441.png)
and tries
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/59/e3/96/59e396530d5350e843c550954a9521c8.png)
then settled for the night near Manaaki's nest and moved down hill to his own nest later that night.
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/61/38/09/613809aafbbfa94a2c88a8f4a7f3a358.png)
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Royal Albatross ~ Beautiful Closeups Of Sweet UQ ♥ The Last Of The Fab Four Chicks! 9.18.23 by Lady Hawk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNxbnxPxFRE
Sep 18, 2023
UQ chick is the last of the Fab Four chicks - NTF, Quarry and Manaaki have all fledged. UQ is the youngest of this group and is 10 days younger than Manaaki. Hopefully he will stay around for 240 days like Manaaki did before he takes that leap of faith and flies out over the ocean to meet his destiny. Enjoy some beautiful closeups of UQ as he settles in for the night in his comfy spot on the grass. Thank you for watching!
Video captured & edited by Lady Hawk
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/30/be/86/30be863c42c811c275b414abd5a951eb.png)
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A few pics I captured today.
Around 3pm New Zealand time, which was 8pm Central time, adult albies started flying above and around the island. UQ started calling to them....
UQ sees a parent and starts running and calling :-*
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/35/3d/0f/353d0fbebc775abe2b07da8204ff249b.png)
A nice long 10 minute feeding
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/c4/d2/f0/c4d2f02302c043e61736c7131ddfa800.png)
"Excuse me" another parent is walking by as UQ's parent continue feeding and spending time with him
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/4d/0c/89/4d0c89ac452fbdd208132b4b23b21393.png)
UQ returns to the nest with a full tummy for the night and a happy heart :-*
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/81/fd/b8/81fdb835bc16ba4849466f0b6e8c77ec.png)[/size]
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Royal Albatross ~ UQ Gets A Supp Feeding! ♥ A Chick Comes Over Wheeing! GLY Or L Brief Visit 9.21.23
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tpG6e4qu-U
Sep 20, 2023
UQ stayed below the hill for the most part of the day but did pop his head up so that we could get some great zooming on him!! Later in the morning, UQ is walking around and sees the basket people arriving one more time.The rangers weigh UQ (he came in at 7kg which is a bit low) so they give him electrolytes of 600ml and 1kg of fish & squid - bringing his weight to 8.6kg which is much better.
One of the neighbor chicks comes by wheeing excited for a feed too! This chick has been receiving regular supp feedings as well and can smell the fish/squid in the container. When the rangers were finished with the feeding, they get up to leave and the chick turns around and leaves as well.
Later, UQ is in his spot below the hill when one of Manaaki's parents is seen flying in. :-* They walk up the hill and sit next to UQ for a brief visit. It might be Mama Lime, she looks up at the empty nest as UQ is wheeing and begging for a feeding. She does not stay long - she was kind to UQ chick :-* , perhaps realizing now that Manaaki is really gone and so she flew off in a beautiful departure over the sea. She circled around, perhaps saying her goodbyes for the season as she disappeared into the horizon. It is time for her to head to South America as her work here is finished. Both GLY & L have done a great job raising Manaaki and they should be very proud. ♥ Thank you for watching!
Video captured & edited by Lady Hawk
Good night!
UQ has settled into his old nest, where his mom waited for him to give a feeding yesterday. He's been there since his feeding from the rangers. :-*
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/70/a9/ef/70a9ef8036690ca07bd617c33225e416.png)
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Good night pic on the 21st!
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/95/0c/d4/950cd44c701a8c30c42a5f61943965cf.png)
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Royal Albatross ~ UQ Gets A Supplementary Feeding! A Chick Walks Up The Hill ♥ 9.22.23
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Up1zRUjOUZs&t=4s
Sep 22, 2023
QU is sitting in his usual spot just below the hill but still in view of the cam. Another chick comes walking up and looks around the area. This is a male chick with a black Darvic band from one of the nests below the hill. It may have been the same chick that came up and was interested in the feeding that UQ got yesterday from the rangers. He is getting supplementary feedings as well.
Rangers Colin and helper arrive a few minutes after the chick departed back down the hill and they gave UQ his supp feeding. First they gave him hydration (electrolytes) through a syringe and then comes the whole fish - 9 of them I counted. Ranger Colin makes sure each dish is swallowed before they feed the next one. That is a good meal for UQ and he should be feeling quite content now. Watch UQ shake out his wings after the rangers are getting ready to leave!!! Thank you for watching!
Video captured & edited by Lady Hawk [/size]
I took this pic of UQ yesterday, it rained most of the day :-*
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/20/32/a5/2032a55b36669b47e5ea823d6bcffdeb.png)
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Friday the 22nd - good night post
UQ hasn't been seen for two hours, since 14:53 pm New Zealand time, they keep searching the hills. My last pic of him was at 14:48 pm their time. I snipped it as he was going to the left of the cam. And then they lost him. Never saw him again. :(. ... it's so strange not seeing him sitting at his favorite spot staring out to sea.
I took this pic today, New Zealand time was 9:26 am
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/de/d3/5c/ded35c62280bd53ceeeba29f41f69ac1.png)
Royal Albatross ~ UQ Beautiful Closeups!! Wet & Very Cute! 🐦 ♥ 9.22.23
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVL2pXQppPU
Sep 22, 2023
UQ wakes up and does a lot of preening of his feathers & stands up and shakes out his wings with the raindrops. Enjoy some beautiful closeup coverage of UQ looking wet but oh so cute as he sits on his comfy place in the grass & shakes the raindrops off his feathers & does a paddle scratch 🙂💕 It was a calm day with no wind so no hovering or flight practice for the chicks. UQ seemed to be content to hang out in his spot just below the hill 🙂 💚 Thank you for watching!
Video captured & edited by Lady Hawk [/size]
Good night! I'd like to think UQ is one of the albies soaring the skies with his friends :-*
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/0e/7d/ad/0e7dad87fb0281dfd1068067e2de6123.png)
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I think UQ has fledged or he is out of sight and below the hill. When UQ moved to the left off cam's vision the cam operator moved too quickly to the left thinking he would hover. Well, he didn't he probably went down the hill. I haven't seen him or his white top. You could always see the white of his head in the dark on his 2nd nest. This is the latest lady Hawk video of him. There is not chat room and they don't allow comments on their youtube channel. I went to their facebook page and asked a question.
Royal Albatross ~ Time To Ring Those Bells! First Albies Are Back! UQ Skycalls A Parent! :-* 9.23.23
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrtWSAV4t1k&t=11s
Sep 22, 2023
We have only 9 chicks left on the headland - 24 have fledged so far! And it is time to ring those bells! The first returning albatross have arrived back to the colony (GBK a 20 year old male and YGK a 30 year old female). Ranger Sharyn has said "Both GBK and YKG have been away from the headland and waters around New Zealand since January 2023. Feeding in the waters around South America during the winter gets the toroa in condition for the next breeding season at Pukekura.
YKG last fledged a chick in 2020 but her mate has not been seen since 2021. GBK is also a bereaved toroa and last fledged a chick in 2017. It is hoped that since they are both looking for a new mate that they may pair up. Egg laying is in November so we should know in a couple of months whether they will breed for the 2023/23 season or not.
To celebrate these new seasons arrivals the Royal Albatross Centre will organize bells to ring on Monday 25th September at 1 pm. The celebration of bell ringing is a great reminder for people to take care of the ocean where the toroa spend over 85% of their lives."
For those in the USA it will take place on Sunday Sept 24th 6:00PM PST/ 9:00PM EST and Hawaii time 3:00PM.
UQ is 235 days old today and he continues to do his wing exercises showing off those incredible 3 meter (10 feet long) wingspan. Simply gorgeous! He then heads down the track and comes back as a ranger takes a chick head count to see who has fledged and who is still here. UQ does more hops, flaps and paddle walking before he stops to gaze out over the ocean imprinting his home upon his heart. We are going to miss UQ when he gets ready to leave soon. Thank you for watching!
Video captured & edited by Lady Hawk
Kb, I just received a facebook reply from a poster on the The Royal Albatross Center fb website. She sent me 3 posts, here is the last two. When you and I saw him go to the left that was the last anyone saw him too. We'll need to wait and hear from the rangers. I'm sure they will post something today.
Stacy L wrote: I just watched again, walked off cam at 14:50, cam didn’t move to the left until 14:53, so no idea where he went. Hopefully he just went down the slope near his nest to sleep. I can’t imagine that he fledged, there was barely any wind. Sharyn, the ranger, said it’s unlikely for them to fledge under 5 knots.
(https://scontent-sjc3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/382446775_10232419865379072_6367899461332564857_n.jpg?stp=cp6_dst-jpg&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=6a0516&_nc_ohc=2ceoSlcX8rMAX_w-pSh&_nc_ht=scontent-sjc3-1.xx&oh=00_AfA7G8OczqYWu1iUHEjExrM6lMJzxvwhwYt3jYSf_BnSSw&oe=65138121)
Stacy L wrote: I just checked the port website, wind speed was favorable. It didn’t look windy on the cam. 😞 I’ll be happy for him if he left, but sad that I missed it. Going to miss UQ. He helped me get over Manaaki leaving 🙂
(https://scontent-sjc3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/383076809_10232420033783282_7177346630807625954_n.jpg?stp=cp6_dst-jpg&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=6a0516&_nc_ohc=JjXUbJNyU5cAX9WCQJ-&_nc_ht=scontent-sjc3-1.xx&oh=00_AfAZmrOFGgmrUoPNpuEFJy2OiJTolsmI_RcTxlligDwQdw&oe=651431C9)
Beautiful UQ, I snipped this pic yesterday at 8:07am New Zealand time, Saturday 23rd - baby fuzz no more! :-*
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/eb/74/5e/eb745e2a7fa7d6615253a480ece88997.png)[/size]
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Finally found a Royal Albatross discussion website with the Ranger Mod who handles the webcam that we watch, and I was able to find a few answers.
The cam is on UQ's favorite hilly spot, down the slope is two chicks.
They think it's UQ and the neighbor chick that would visit UQ from the right side of the hill.
There are three cams facing this area. The Port Harbor cam takes photos from a higher location, and they captured this photo of the two chicks down the slope.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/e2be8ad1b295a5b3cef1da9f93b7eeb4b52229f22b118ccf3c058103bfa1dc0b.jpg)
(https://www.portotago.co.nz/assets/Webcams/Taiaroa-cam/taiaroa_24-09-2023_09-30am.jpg)
The photo below is taken from the opposite direction or seaview. You can see the white heads of the chicks. UQ has got to be the one closer to the top of the hill where he usually sits.
That is why the webcam is focusing on that part of the hill.
The black arrow is the webcam, the signal station camera is inside the green building to the left.
[/size]
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/dc507ee74991618685feb3e3e99daea5fd06dcfc981a5f5d5e70d5c4813de518.jpg?w=800&h=541)
This is headland where the Royal Albatross nests
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/cc55173676a694577b296241ce1f97e347d71eae5862aa6f9d517683d18b247c.jpg?w=800&h=519)
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This is a cool site I found on the discussion board regarding Royal Albatross
Look at the video of the chicks up on the top left corner of webcam.
https://www.windy.com/-Webcams/New-Zealand/Otago/Aramoana/Taiaroa/webcams/1508610974?-45.787,167.443,7
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great news! I received info from someone I connected with on Royal Albatross Centre Facebook and UQ is okay and still there![/size] :-*
(https://scontent-sjc3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/382451079_10232424786022085_9169140070960986694_n.jpg?stp=cp6_dst-jpg&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=6a0516&_nc_ohc=bX_UGBLZIh8AX8l3vb2&_nc_ht=scontent-sjc3-1.xx&oh=00_AfBi6EaKJ67YPQGJ1SNsYwG-Afr-L1G30IJIilSEKpQxvg&oe=6513B334)
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Royal Albatross - 9/24 🔔Get your bells ready!
Ringing of the Bells | Return of the Wandering Toroa | DunedinNZ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uanfnBN6OPI&t=7s
Not one but two new seasons arrivals touched down at Pukekura on Friday afternoon
GBK Green, Blue, Black on the right is a 20-year-old male & YGK Yellow, Green, Black on the left is a 30-year-old female.
Image credit: Colin Facer. Thank you.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F6rULSbbcAAYCpx?format=webp&name=small)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F6rampHakAAuCyj?format=png&name=medium)
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Royal Albatross ~ Say Hello To Beautiful Miss YD21 ♥ She Is Checking Out The Cam! 9.24.23
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4S6eNZzQqo
Sep 23, 2023
UQ is still here as of today (Sept 24th) He was seen half way down the hill this morning and received a supplementary feeding by the rangers. He will probably fledge from below the hill when he is ready!! ♥
In the meantime, we have a visit from one of the neighboring chicks - YD21. She is seen at the cam doing some gardening, She is so cute - and still has bit of down on her neckline. YD21 stands for (Yellow for the female, D for the designation of this season's chicks 2023, and her number 21). I don't know which nest she is from but she may be the chick from Signal Station Flat on the hill. Thank you for watching!
Video captured & edited by Lady Hawk
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/008b9370e40cced40d6ffc3c4679c160180d99ef1608aa9eba6f0280e48c986c.png?w=800&h=493)
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Royal Albatross - posted by Sharyn Broni (Ranger, DOC)
Kia ora koutou (hello everyone)
It appears the UQ (Upper Quarry) chick has fledged this morning. :-* There are some good breezes today and he was supplementary fed yesterday. He is now 237 days old and has been looking in good condition for fledging.
There are still 9 chicks as we (DOC rangers) picked up another one from the Aramoana Salt Marsh over the weekend.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/1cb68d4a9da8525086107329828b103b85d76fa33f4168b0311ce13c1ff6d821.jpg)
The cam will stay in this location until after egg laying in November. We may see new arrivals coming to this location over the next several weeks.
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Royal Albatross ~ UQ HAS FLEDGED! 💗 Safe Travels To The Last Of The Fab Four Chicks! 9.25.23
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-_ZTucKLJs
Sep 24, 2023
UQ has fledged! 💕🐥 He sure picked a special day to take flight with the ringing of the bells today on Sept 25th! Godspeed UQ - the last of the fab four chicks to take flight! Enjoy some of the last coverage I got of UQ before he went down the hill and out of cam view on Sept 23rd.
From Ranger Sharyn: "UQ (Upper Quarry) chick has fledged this morning! There are some good breezes today and he was supplementary fed yesterday. He is now 237 days old and has been looking in good condition for fledging. There are still 9 chicks as we (DOC rangers) picked up one from the Aramoana Salt Marsh over the weekend. This chick took the long way back around the harbour to the headland but was safely picked up!
The cam will stay in this location until after egg laying in November. We may see new arrivals coming to this location over the next several weeks." Thank you for watching!
Video captured & edited by Lady Hawk
I took quite a few pics of UQ on his last day on the cam. I took more pics of him than I did of Manaaki ;D I'm happy Lady Hawk made a video of his last day too! :-*
UQ his last day on the cam 9-23-2023 9:04 am :-* My favorite pics are those of him looking out towards the Otago Harbor waters on the right is the South Pacific Ocean.
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/9d/0e/db/9d0edb1835b0082a57e54c957dd0f7c9.png)
4 chicks Manaaki on the left sitting on his nest, UQ, NTF coming from right, followed by Q (Quarry) chick.
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/fb/59/79/fb597977d82b4dd7ff3d685c3ee7572e.png)
This is one of my favorite videos ;D
Sept 9th morning.
It's the weekend, time to catch up with the neighbor...or maybe not.
Manaaki (r) Q chick (l), and UQ chick watching from the sideline.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1700471777733054773
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Royal Albatross ~ Update On Fledges!! Two Of The Four chicks Still Here In View! ♥ 9.27.23
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AiRHfNEK9M
Sep 27, 2023
Ranger Sharyn Broni has reported: "There are now only 4 chicks left on the headland. I missed seeing one fledge by moments this afternoon and the one we picked up from the Aramoana salt marsh on Saturday has gone again."
We were lucky to see two of the chicks up on the track. One could be SSF Signal Station Flat chick. With new albie arrivals and returnees starting to come in, the new season will start to pick up in the next couple of weeks. Thank you for watching!
Video captured & edited by Lady Hawk
Royal Albatross ~ Female Chick Jumps Down & Lands On Manaaki's Nest! Practices Hops & Hovers 9.28.23SSF practicing on Manaaki's nest
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIX__aXCj4k&t=4s
Sep 27, 2023
We now have only 4 out of 33 chicks left to fledge on the headland ♥ This female chick jumps down from Top Flat and lands on His Royal Roundness's nest!! 😊 It may be the SSF (Signal Station Flat chick) since her nest is up on the hill. She picks some of the grass around Manaaki's nest, rests briefly and then she is up to hop and flap to the edge of the hill.
Looking out over the hill, she stretches out her wings, feeling the wind and deciding if it is a good day to fledge. She hovers with paddles up and lands to the right just out of view of the cam. She will be fledging when the winds are the most favorable and she may continue further down the hill (just like Manaaki and UQ did). We are getting down to the final four chicks left to take flight. New arrivals and returning albies are starting to come in for the new breeding season. Thank you for watching!
Video captured & edited by Lady Hawk
SSF chick
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/9f20eef7d800326614d60ca4721a36e437fffd24e24e64542eb1a683558dc2db.jpg?w=800&h=501)
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Royal Albatross ~ Update On Fledges!! Two Of The Four chicks Still Here In View! ♥ 9.27.23
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AiRHfNEK9M
Sep 27, 2023
Ranger Sharyn Broni has reported: "There are now only 4 chicks left on the headland. I missed seeing one fledge by moments this afternoon and the one we picked up from the Aramoana salt marsh on Saturday has gone again."
We were lucky to see two of the chicks up on the track. One could be SSF Signal Station Flat chick. With new albie arrivals and returnees starting to come in, the new season will start to pick up in the next couple of weeks. Thank you for watching!
Video captured & edited by Lady Hawk
Royal Albatross ~ Female Chick Jumps Down & Lands On Manaaki's Nest! Practices Hops & Hovers 9.28.23SSF practicing on Manaaki's nest
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIX__aXCj4k&t=4s
Sep 27, 2023
We now have only 4 out of 33 chicks left to fledge on the headland ♥ This female chick jumps down from Top Flat and lands on His Royal Roundness's nest!! 😊 It may be the SSF (Signal Station Flat chick) since her nest is up on the hill. She picks some of the grass around Manaaki's nest, rests briefly and then she is up to hop and flap to the edge of the hill.
Looking out over the hill, she stretches out her wings, feeling the wind and deciding if it is a good day to fledge. She hovers with paddles up and lands to the right just out of view of the cam. She will be fledging when the winds are the most favorable and she may continue further down the hill (just like Manaaki and UQ did). We are getting down to the final four chicks left to take flight. New arrivals and returning albies are starting to come in for the new breeding season. Thank you for watching!
Video captured & edited by Lady Hawk
SSF chick
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/9f20eef7d800326614d60ca4721a36e437fffd24e24e64542eb1a683558dc2db.jpg?w=800&h=501)
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Royal Albatross ~ A Chick Continues Its Flight Practice & Hovering Skills! 9.28.23
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8ROTJtFPUo&t=38s
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/250785dad2aa1e9834607e6cbaf04a337b1412643c5f4541235012be0b9b82a6.jpg?w=800&h=661)
Sep 28, 2023
One of the chicks is seen working on its pre-flight & hovering skills! Enjoy watching their efforts as they make their way down the track and just below the hill. This chick may be fledging in the morning with favorable winds! It is one of the four remaining chicks left on the headland. Thank you for watching!
Video captured & edited by Lady Hawk
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Royal Albatross - 10/3 All 33 chicks of 2023 have fledged :-*
The remaining 3 chicks fledged yesterday in the strong winds. Godspeed Albatross chicks!
This is the highest number of chicks to fledge from the colony. A big congrats to all their parents, Sharyn and the Rangers👏
http://AllAboutBirds.org/Albatross
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Royal Albatross discussion thread today!
Some chatters think the video and photos may be from the location or area around Quarry 23, UQ and Manaaki's nests today! ;D
And they are wondering about the 33 chicks from this past season and are they direct descendants.
Royal Albatross and chick at Taiaroa Head, 1939
Royal Albatross with newborn chick at Taiaroa Head, 1939. Includes footage of Agnes Richdale [?] and Lance Richdale.
From the Lance Richdale collection, Hocken Archives MS-1260-053/004. Our thanks to Maurice Hayward and the Film Heritage Trust for digitising this film.[/size]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roCXhVtxanc&t=124s
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10/9 an update from Sharyn.
The new season of 2023/24 is building up momentum. Nearly 40 individuals having been sighted, and some pairs have been sighted together.
A pair of Toroa. Pic by Sharyn Broni, DOC
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Royal Albatross ~ New Arrivals Update 💗 YRK Is Home! WYL Is Back Skycalling & Waiting 💗 10.10.23
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BE0SOXS0cn4
Oct 11, 2023
The new season arrivals are coming in every day! We have 40 individual albatross seen and some pairs are finding one another again. YRK (yellow red black) has been seen which is great news! If you recall, YRK is the mate to OGK and parents of RLK, Atawhai & Lilibet. Paddles are crossed that OGK will return and be reunited her with again after he went missing during Lilibet's season. ♥ Also in is RBL (red blue lime) male and WYL the male who is coupled up with BOK last season and she laid her first egg. First time breeders are not always successful so let's hope that BOK returns and they try again this year!
The coverage begins with WYL in with some beautiful and loud skycalls! Another returnee flies in - I can't be sure on the bands but it could be WKW (white black white) the widowed female who was looking for love last season. Let's hope she finds it this year! Enjoy some of the beautiful scenery and a couple other albies coming in! Thank you for watching!
Video captured & edited by Lady Hawk
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Royal Albatross - Oct 13, 2023
As the new season is beginning to get underway, we were fortunate enough to see some of the returnees on the hill at sunset. There were five albies that were seen socializing at one point. How exciting to see them all back- maybe for the first time to try and make a connection! At the last count, there were 40 new new arrivals back to kick off the season. These are a mix of prior breeding adults. juveniles and first time returnees.
Video captured & edited by Lady Hawk
Royal Albatross ~ Albie Party At Sunset! 💗 New Arrivals Socializing! 10.13.23https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVPZzgAkXWI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVPZzgAkXWI
Royal Albatross ~ Mid-Air Kisses Between Albies 💕 More Returnees Including OLY! 10.14.23
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lJy8gd4iE4
Oct 14, 2023
This was a magical moment when one returning albatross was on the ground and a second one hovers right overhead and & they reach out and try and touch bills like they were giving one another a kiss! The kisser circles around several times and offers up some more affection before landing and interacting with another albie. Such an enchanting time for the toroa as they return now to meet up with their mate or to find new love!
It looks like maybe LKO has returned as well and then we get to see OLY flying in and get a good look at his band. LKO will be looking for a mate and OLY and his mate did have an egg in 2022 but were unsuccessful. Lots of albies flying in and around the headland now - very exciting!
To see the highlights below, please click on the timestamps to advance to that portion of the video.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Opening albies flying
01:25 1st mid air kiss
02:13 One albie lands
02:17 2nd mid air kiss
02:30 3rd kiss attempt
03:10 Three albies socializing
04:33 Possibly LKO seen
05:31 OLY flying in
06:25 OLY closeup and band seen
07:01 More returnees in view
Video captured & edited by Lady Hawk
This happened near Lilibet-QT's nest before the Royalcam was moved to South Plateau!
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Royal Albatross - 10/19
10/19 Do you know who Button is?
The Ranger team is pleased to announce that the legendary Button and his mate OYW have returned to Taiaroa Head for another attempt at breeding this season.
Please read Sharyn's update below.
Image by Chris McCormack of Button's return in 2021
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Royal Albatross ~ Albies Socializing & Courtship Displays! 💗 10.25.23
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTDWNMTRQro
Oct 25, 2023
The adolescents continue to arrive and search for a mate for the upcoming season. I could not read any of the bands on these returnees but the one with the nice tiara on its head is back and at one point we see five albies. They will continue to socialize and engage in courtship displays for the next few weeks. There is one albatross that continues to wait for their mate in the same spot for the past week. ♥ As soon as there is an update from Sharyn on the colony new arrivals I will pin to the comment section. Thank you for watching!
Video captured & edited by Lady Hawk
Royal Albatross 💗 Beautiful YRK Flies In & Socializes With Other Non Breeders 💗 10.26.23
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P79EFau6lAo
Oct 26, 2023
YRK has been back for two weeks looking for her mate OGK to return. She flies in and lands right next to a non breeder male albie! The albie has a black darvic band which signifies he is a male and it appears the letters are A87. The A series is for all birds fledging between 2010-2019 - most likely this one is a young non breeder. They exchange skycalls and socialize for a few minutes. A couple more non breeding adolescents show up - a blue banded albie will fly off. You can recognize YRK right now by her bright bands of Yellow Red Black and on her head she has a tiara of some dark feathers. The feathers darken during the winter months and will bleach out to white while albies are incubating their egg over the summer months.
We are still hopeful for OGK's return but if he does not return we wish YRK will have a second chance at love again with a new mate. She will most likely stick around for a few more weeks before flying off. She will return again next year to look for a new mate. ♥ Thank you for watching!
Video captured & edited by Lady Hawk
Male Albie KA87 with YRK
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Lots of socializing! ;D
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Royal Albatross - 11/5
New Zealand Bird of the Year & Century
2 Toroa are included: the critically endangered Antipodean Albatross & the Buller's Mollymawk.
https://birdoftheyear.org.nz
Voting closes 5pm Sunday 12 November 2023 NZDT & don't forget to validate your vote.
Albies "rushing off to vote". ;D
https://twitter.com/i/status/1720983117748666603
11/3 Hi everyone, some sad news to share with you.
Although we do not know for sure, it looks like the much-loved OGK has not returned following his disappearance in the winter of 2022 while raising Royalcam chick, Lilibet.
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Royal Albatross ~ Beautiful Courtship Interaction Between Two Albies! Skycalls & Displays ♥ 11.6.23
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ojQ9tOl9mw
Nov 6, 2023
The footage opens up to the far right of the track where the lone albie continues to wait for their mate. H/she has a brief social interaction with another albie and hopefully this will help ease its loneliness with this sweet hello ♥
Then to the left of the track we have one albatross welcoming in an albie with skycalls and displays. The incoming albie is banded but I unfortunately could not read them. The albie has a very distinct tiara on its head and is an active participant in this sweet interaction. Did they meet one another previously? It may be young love as bonded pairs normally don't engage in the courtship displays as we see here. Once they have a mate they tend to just greet with skycalls and get right into preening one another and sitting next to other and of course mating!
These albies may be in the process of forming a bond this season as they both paddled down the hill together! The cam then pans over to the right and we see the lone albie watching their interaction and hoping for their mate to return. Hope springs eternal and may this lone albie feel inspired to reach out and engage in more sweet hellos and skycalls so they will be full of joy again with a partner to love ♥ Thank you for watching!
Video captured & edited by Lady Hawk
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Royal Albatross ~ Albies Returning & Waiting For Their Mates! YWK Is Home & So Is BWK 💕 11.4.23
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQUbnV9Ppdc
Nov 4, 2023
The albatross continue to come in and wait for their mates or find a new love this season. 💕 It appears that YWK *Yellow White Black) is back home! For those unfamiliar with his history - he is the older brother of our dear OGK and also the Dad of GLY 💕 He and his mate KGY are the parents of the Royalcam chick Moana back in 2016 - so this is exciting news to see him back safely.
Also BWK flies in and walks past the cam.
There is also an albie that continues to wait in this same spot for it's mate hoping for a reunion. It calls out with skycalls as it waits as other albies fly overhead. It is too far away to see any bands but it is not YRK because it does not have a tiara on its head. As we are now in November, this is the time for the pairs to begin posturing and preening one another and ultimately mating and preparing a nest. Hopefully this albie and all the others that are without a mate will find love and have their dreams come true with the laying of a beautiful egg - the light of the future of the colony! Thank you for watching!
Video captured & edited by Lady Hawk
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Royal Albatross - 11/9
Preparations for the 2023/2024 season's chicks.
Albatross couples, nest sites, defending territories, eggs & trail cams.
Please read Ranger Sharyn's update below & links provided.
~Royal albatross behaviour on and off Royal Cam
https://doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/albatrosses/royal-albatross-toroa/royal-cam/royal-albatross-behaviour-on-and-off-royal-cam/
~What To Expect On The Royal Albatross Cam November–December
https://youtube.com/watch?v=X_gF2yTa_zc
~Incubating Northern Royal Albatross Maintains Nest
https://youtube.com/watch?v=O1OZR7rNfVA
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F-chWAlbEAA56-G?format=jpg&name=medium)
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Royal Albatross 11/23/2023
The flightless takahē is a unique bird, a conservation icon and a survivor.
Population: Around 500 as of October 2023
New Zealand status: Endemic
Conservation status: Threatened–Nationally Vulnerable
Found in: Native grasslands of Murchison Mountains, Fiordland and Gouland Downs, Kahurangi National Park
Threats: Predation, competition for food
Sound recordings:
Takahē song (MP3, 622K)
00:38 – Takahē song.
Takahē song (MP3, 611K)
00:52 – Takahē song.
Species information: Takahē on NZ Birds Online
https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/takahe/
Takahē - return to the wild
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IG423K3pmQI
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Kia ora koutou (hello everyone) From Ranger Sharyn Broni
Thank you all for your patience at this quiet time on the Royalcam.
Elsewhere in the colony it has not been as quiet as watching the grass grow.
Some eggs are old enough to candle to determine whether they are fertile or not.
Check out this video from 2020 to see how candling an egg at a nest looks.
Rangers Candle The Royal Albatross Egg at the #RoyalCam Nest | NZ Dept of Conservation | Cornell Lab
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBH959EPhkk&t=126s
Jan 11, 2020
Candling uses a bright light to shine through the egg shell to observe changes in the size of the airspace and embryos within the shell. Candling the eggs allows biologists to assess whether the embryo inside is developing properly as well as estimating how near to hatch the egg is. In this video, a New Zealand Department of Conservation Ranger visits the RoyalCam nest to candle the egg, which should be nearing hatching in the next couple weeks. Afterward, she reported that "Egg is developing as it should."
Busy Rangers checking on nests
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Grand Princess off to Christchurch and the Monarch
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Albatross Cam Newsflash!
The new #RoyalCam site has been chosen. We will have two nests on view for the whole season.
The RoyalCam couples are experienced LGK & LGL and WYL & BOK
In 2021 LGK, LGL had chick Tiaki :-*
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GAAxXKQbgAAP27x?format=jpg&name=medium)
Never fear Christmas is coming and the elves have been busy, not long to wait 🎅
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Royal Albatross cam - 12/4
Hi everyone, a peek at the new #Royalcam location Top Flat, with the couples in residence LGK & LGL and WYL & BOK.
Please read Sharyn's update below, and also a must-watch: NZ Geographic video-Grandma https://nzgeo.com/video/grandma/
http://AllAboutBirds.org/Albatross
Image credit: Sharyn
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GAdA_t9bkAAbbfv?format=png&name=900x900)
Sharyn's update, and the other 2 live links.
Read more about Toroa here: https://acap.aq/latest-news/toroa-the-colony-s-500th-northern-royal-albatross-returns-to-taiaroa-head
Read the media release here: Get set for seabird-safe fishing
https://acap.aq/latest-news/toroa-the-colony-s-500th-northern-royal-albatross-returns-to-taiaroa-head
Thank you, and have a great week!
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Royal Albatross 💗 Welcome Our Royalcam Couple LGK & LGL For the 2023-2024 Season 💗 12.13.23
Live cam ;D
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/cams/royal-albatross/
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xlFJNGquCM
3,841 views Dec 13, 2023
Welcome back for the new 2023-2024 season for our Royalcam couple LGK & LGL!! ♥
This year we have our stars at Top Flat and an extra bonus couple of WYL & BOK right next to them at Top Flat Track in view! Double the fun again!! Here is the new Meet the Royal family page with updated information https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native...
From Sharyn Broni " Currently, on view are LGK (male, left nest at Top Flat, on for 3 days) and BOK (female, right nest at Top Flat Track, on nest for 1 day). The grass has not been cut between Top Flat and Top Flat Track to give the less experienced pair some privacy. WYL and BOK have incubated an egg previously but have never raised a chick. Minimizing stress for them with some privacy from their neighbours is helpful for younger pairs. We will still see changeovers and the parent stretching etc. The grass will die down as the season progresses also. "
Enjoy some coverage and closeups of LGK and a glimpse at BOK to the right. Also LGK gets two visits today - the first one is from a no color banded albie (non breeder) who is very affectionate and preens LGK at 06:46. We get to see the RC egg at 02:36 &10:46 and the next visitor is LWK at 12:44. LWK is bereaved this season so hopefully he will find a new mate. LWK is the son of OGK and YRK and Dad of Plateau chick from Tiaki's season 2021. Thank you for watching!
Video captured & edited by Lady Hawk
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Royal Albatross ~ LGL & BOK Have Front Row Seats To An Albie Party! Closeups of LGL 💕 12.17.23
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5uSfd8GyXo
1,011 views Dec 17, 2023
LGL (Lime Green Lime) is on her nest and her neighbor BOK (Blue Orange Black female) is on her nest when a party of non breeders fly in and decide to socialize and have a party! Looks like at least 6 maybe 7 on the ground/air as they come to meet one another with skycalls and bill taping. The two Mom's don't bother to get up - they remain on their eggs. The non breeders will stay for a few more weeks as they make their acquaintances and hopefully future partners.
On another note, the Royalcam chick of 2016 Moana has been banded! She is yellow A55. Moana is one of the non breeders that has returned this season to try and find a mate like Tumanako and some of the adults who are bereaved and looking to find love again. Looks like Top Flat is going to be full of action this season!
You may notice that the grass is high between LGL and BOK's nest. The DOC has decided to not trim the grass but to leave it natural allowing for some privacy for BOK & WYL as they attempt to hatch their first egg. Thank you for watching!
Video captured & edited by Lady Hawk
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12/27
An Albatross display in the long grass, yesterday. Video link.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1739803723642339755
News Catch up
WYL at Top Flat Track is still incubating his egg,
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LGK arrived early Christmas Day to swap with LGL
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Royal Albatross ~ LGK Closeups & A Peek At His Precious Egg! ♥ 12.26.23 by Lady Hawk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6jhAWs3Hn4
Dec 26, 2023
LGK gets up to do some preening and we get to see a glimpse of the egg as he touches it with his bill. ♥ At this stage of the incubation, we don't get many views of the albatross egg because of the parent sitting on it for long periods of time. LGK sits back down and we have nice closeups of him looking very content upon his egg! Thank you for watching!
Video captured & edited by Lady Hawk
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Royal Albatross
Top Flat Track Update WYL & BOK (lower nest in grass. BOK female has been gone 13 days. WYL did not leave nest for hydration or any food. Rangers were worried something happened to BOK.
Mind your ears ~ skycalls all round last evening (and big sighs of relief) as BOK walked past the #Royalcam to relieve WYL of nest duties.
Their egg will be swapped with the dummy egg sometime today. The egg has been taken to the incubator for safe keeping in case of desertion by WYL.
Update posted 5 hours ago: The Ranger came by this morning to confirm BOK was in at the TFT nest, and then came back in the afternoon to return her egg and take the dummy egg away. WYL & BOK's egg will be candled later.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1742667676198281712
BOK female on the right, WYL male sitting on nest
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2/28
Sharyn candled LGL & LGK's 51 days egg today and this is what she saw:
~The air cell is nice and clear and the bulk of the egg is dark showing that the embryo is alive and growing~
https://twitter.com/i/status/1740237765030330561
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Lani, thanks. Wow, gone for 13 days; wonder why. Sure glad she's back.
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LGK and BOK (below pic in grass)
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Royal Albatross update 1/8
Sharyn candled BOK (on nest) & WYL's egg yesterday
At day 54 (Sunday 7th Jan) showed that the embryo is still healthy.
This egg is a week younger than LGK & LGL’s egg.
Even though inexperienced with chick raising WYL & BOK are good at egg incubation
Video of Ranger Sharyn candled BOK & WYL's egg
https://twitter.com/i/status/1744138436502843869
We are now 10 days away from visual checks of LGK and LGL’s egg at Top Flat. When hatching begins the developing embryo moves into the air cell of the egg. Sometimes, sounds like scrunching can be heard as the membranes are broken through. There may even be a chick call. When the shell has a crack or pip in it for the beginning of hatching, we will remove it to the incubator. We hold the parents on the nest with a dummy egg until the chick has hatched. The nest will be sprayed with Avian Insect Liquidator* to ensure that flies are not living in the nest when the chick is returned.
The toroa colony at Pukekura is so tiny (just 1% of the entire world population of Northern Royal Albatross) that every chick matters. The incidence of often fatal fly strike** on this headland is too high to leave the hatching eggs at the nest.
The parents are happy to incubate the dummy egg and receive the chick quite readily when it has hatched.
LGK and LGL have raised 2 chicks that have hatched in the incubator with no incidence.
Although in-experienced with chick raising WYL and BOK are good at egg incubation. A candling*** of the egg at day 54 (Sunday 7th January) showed that the embryo is still healthy. This egg is a week younger that LGK and LGL’s egg.
*Avian Insect Liquidator is a bird-safe liquidator that repels flies. It is necessary to use a bird-safe repellent only as the respiratory system, being evolved for flight, is much for efficient than that of mammals.
**Fly strike and why is it an issue. Fly strike is caused by flies laying eggs in the flesh of the hatching chick and the resulting maggots quickly devouring the flesh they find themselves on. It is an issue at this site due to introduced flies that hatch out maggots supper fast and introduced grasses that hold the heat on the volcanic soils in this area. Fly strike only became an issue in the 1970’s and has become increasingly severe with the hotter, drier summers which are a result of climate change.
**Candling: shining a light at an egg in a dark space so that the inside is revealed. At this later stage of incubation, the egg is dark with a clear air cell like in the following picture.
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Lani, thanks. Wow, gone for 13 days; wonder why. Sure glad she's back.
Hi Linda, Rangers were worried and considered switching eggs. Giving WYL a fake egg in case he decided to leave the nest to eat & drink water.
He's a great mate to be devoted to his duty.
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Royal Albatross cam -
1/17 Welcome little Albatross chick!
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GEB9BrIbgAAGjsy?format=png&name=large)
The first chick of the season has hatched belonging to first time breeders GBL and BYW. Congratulations, and to the Rangers too.
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Royal Albatross cam - 1/22 LGK and LGL's Egg update
Peek a boo chick ~ if you zoom in you can see part of chick's bill. The hole is about 1-2 cm wide.
Image: DOC, Top Flat egg hatching in the incubator
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GEZsQbWbQAAZrvr?format=jpg&name=900x900)
Beautiful LGK sitting on a fake egg, while baby is safely hatching in the incubator.
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Royal Albatross Cam - Posted 14 hours ago.
1/23 Hello little Top Flat chick
Sharyn Ranger DOC ~This morning's check of the incubators show that the Top Flat chick is nearly hatched. A lot of progress has been made overnight. The umbilicus is likely still attached to the membranes of the egg. The drying out process takes a few hours, but it is possible that the chick will be returned to the nest later today. The down will be nice and fluffy by then.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GEehPKEaoAAyg9U?format=jpg&name=900x900)
UPDATE: Posted 2 hours ago
1/23 Here comes TF chick with Ranger Colin!
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Royal Albatross ~ The Top Flat Chick Has Hatched! 🐣 Welcome To The World Little One! 💗 1.23.24
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8xQ_HMsB30
The Top Flat chick hatched earlier today in the incubator but the rangers had to wait to return it to the nest because of the bad weather. While they were waiting, Mama LGL came in and had a wonderful reunion with LGK. She must have known that her chick was going to hatch today and she flew in for the celebration!!
The video begins with ranger Colin spraying around the nest with Avian Insect Liquidator a safe insect repellent to protect the hatchling from flystrike. Then Colin will bring the container with the Royalcam chick to be placed under LGL. He removes the dummy egg and puts the wee hatchling under Mom. Look at LGL smiling as she looks down lovingly at her new chick! And Colin was smiling as well as he was recording video of this blessed event!
The chick weighed 300 grams at hatching and the rangers will be making stops twice a day at the nest to weigh the chick and to check it for any flies or issues.
Congratulations to LGK and LGL on their new hatchling! And Congratulations to the entire DOC and RAC staff for all their hard work in hatching the chicks in incubators and then returning them to the nest. All of us Aunties and Uncles are thrilled to take part in another season of watching this little chick grow up and fledge! Thank you for watching!
Video captured & edited by Lady Hawk
Good morning Beakers!
Morning Emyrauld, Lilbro, Blschue, Lori, Clynn, Tsk, Lisa, Karen, Oldguy, Puff, Eagles, Kb, Tig, Baz, Phyl, Peep, Jaspurr, Pink, Jilltosa, BL, Eburg, Weasel, Ezee, Bggolden, T40, ssrl, Maxie, Nrstooge, Omasawyer, Paulie, jicaji, LB, and All!
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Royal Albatross
Here is a pic from Colin take last night.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/364daca95a1a12dc9d5b0a6ffda811827cc5ca797d5883922477ede545762f37.jpg?w=800&h=1008)
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Royal Albatross~Health check and weighing by Sharyn (Ranger DOC~4:02 pm 2024/01/24
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeDi3XpWr8c
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1/25
Its been a few busy days for the newly TF hatchling weight & health checks and learning to feed with LGL
First Feeding For the 2024
https://youtube.com/watch?v=ByHhSRwc-tI&t=1s
A Weight Check-watch till the end
https://youtube.com/watch?v=pUQbCnkLNeo&t=1s
Newly Hatched Albatross Chick
https://youtube.com/watch?v=K1faYDhsTxU
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GEotmNObYAAuy9a?format=jpg&name=large)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GEovQ7VaAAAv1-K?format=jpg&name=large)
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Royal Albatross ~ Ranger Sharyn Afternoon Weight Check! Gives Thumbs Up - All Is OK! 👍 💗 1.25.24
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8LupRqxR6I&t=2s
Jan 24, 2024
Ranger Sharyn visits the nest in the afternoon for the 2nd weight check up of the day. I can only imagine how busy the rangers are now with chicks hatching and requiring twice daily health checks, looking for the pips on the incubated eggs & watching over the eggs that are currently hatching in the incubator!! Many thanks to the rangers and the DOC staff for their dedication and love for these albie chicks!!
Sharyn gives us a thumbs up - meaning all is OK with the chick!
Sharyn does a through visual check on the chick today and she sprayed the chick's bottom with the AIL and also around the nest. Is is just me, or does the chick look bigger today?? ☺ Sharyn weighs the chick and puts it back under LGL who is happy to have her little one back underneath her. Sharon pulled up some grasses and nesting material and threw it to the side and pulled fresh grass and presented it as a gift to LGL. LGL loved the new grass gift and started moving it around as soon as Sharyn left. ♥ Thank you for watching!
Video captured & edited by Lady Hawk
1/25
Afternoon Sharyn. A lovely feed this afternoon with Mum and chick followed by a weight & health check with Ranger Sharyn.
Chick's weight 425g.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1750399294765736411
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Royal Albatross - 1/28
A photo of Top Flat chick with foster parent WLB yesterday, snuggled in on her feet. Very cute!
http://AllABoutBirds.org/Albatross
Image credit: Sharyn DOC Ranger
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GE6JlNzaAAA8KRM?format=png&name=small)
Top Flat chick was removed from LGL and given to above foster parent for a few hours. LGL had been on nest 5 days and had not had enough food to feed chick when it was returned to the nest. When dad LGK returned to see new chick for first time. Ranger had returned their chick to them. It's been hot during the day. Remember this is their summer season... So feedings and weighins are closely monitored daily. Sometimes twice daily for some nests. Thank God for these hardworking and devoted rangers!
1/28
Hi everyone it was an eventful day yesterday but it did end very well.
Rangers arrived for morning checks. LGL - TF chick weighed and checked and WYL - TFT egg checked and off to the incubator.[/size]
https://twitter.com/i/status/1751389287462076544
Paddle wave by TF chick during afternoon weigh and check by ranger Megan.
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Royal Albatross - 1/30
TF chick's weight & health check this morning saw chick's weight had popped up to 630g.
Thanks to LGL's 2 earlier feeds. She also fed chick this afternoon.
🎥Here is the video of LGL's return yesterday
https://youtube.com/watch?v=E5MfaCOAEsU
Sharyn's update and live links.
Track the chicks weight
https://doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/albatrosses/royal-albatross-toroa/royal-cam/track-the-chicks-weight/
Read more about the rangers work
https://doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/albatrosses/royal-albatross-toroa/royal-cam/rangers-work-for-royal-albatross/
Gular Fluttering in Birds
https://youtube.com/watch?v=IZCuDo5kOZs&t=1s
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Royal Albatross - 1/31 Top Flat Track chick has hatched! Weight 270g
Jim arrives, sprays BOK's (swapped with WYL yesterday) nest with AIL & places their little chick under her with a thank you.
Later in the day, a health & weight check with Sharyn.
Congrats BOK & WYL
Royal Albatross ~ BOK's Egg Has Hatched & Returned! Ranger Sharyn Does A Weight Check! 1.31.24
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wdeaqk2Oefg
Jan 31, 2024
Egg-citing news! BOK & WYL's egg has hatched today and was returned to BOK! The video opens with Ranger Megan coming to the Royalcam chick and taking its weight. Then ranger Jim brings the newest hatchling back to the nest and is introduced to Mom. ♥
Later, Ranger Sharyn does a weigh check on the little one! She introduces the Chick to Mom once again!
She gives a thumbs up -all is ok!! Thank you for watching!
Video captured & edited by Lady Hawk
Ranger Sharyn checking BOKs chick and weighing. Thumbs up.
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"Northern royal albatross banded at Taiaroa Head have a stainless steel band on the right leg and 1–3 coloured bands on the left leg.
There are exceptions to this, eg the opposite is the case for birds that are from the Chatham Islands.
The colours we use are: black, blue, green, lime, yellow, orange, red, white and pink.
We read the colour bands from the top down, for example, green on top and orange below would read as GO.
Except for black, record the colour by its first letter, for example, red = R. Black should be recorded as K to avoid confusion with B for blue."
This season's Royal Cam family
LGK and LGL (Top Flat) WYL and BOK (Top Flat Track) 2023/24
Top Flat (TF)
Egg
Laid: 7 November 2023
Chick hatched: 23 January 2024
Female
Known as: LGL (Lime/Green/Lime bands)
Age: 15 years, hatched 2008
Breeding since: 2017/18
Male
Known as: LGK (Lime/Green/blacK bands)
Age: 12 years, hatched 2010
Breeding since: 2017/18
Family history to date
Following a failed egg in 2017 LGK and LGL have raised 2 Royalcam chicks, Karere and Tiaki.
LGK, LGL and Tiaki were GPS tracked.
Top of Flat Track (TFT)
WYL and BOK
Egg
Laid: 14 November 2023
Female
Known as: BOK (Blue/Orange/blacK bands)
Age: 10 years, hatched 2013
Breeding since: 2022/23
Male
Known as: WYL (White/Yellow/Lime bands)
Age: 9 years, hatched 2014
Breeding since: 2022/23
Family History to Date
WYL and BOK were first time breeders during 2022/23 but their egg did not hatch.
A photo of Top Flat chick with foster parent WLB yesterday, snuggled in on her feet. White-Lime-Blue
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GE6JlNzaAAA8KRM?format=png&name=small)
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Royal Albatross cam
2/3 TFT chick fostered to the TF nest with LGL
Ranger Colin weighed both chicks this morning & TF chick weighed over 800g. BOK's chick needs a feed & switching with TF chick temporarily will achieve this naturally.
LGL has fed TFT chick twice so far.
Albatross ~ Ranger Colin Swaps The Chicks Into Each Other's Nest! LGL Feeds TFT Immediately 2.3.24
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKbM5HBesZ0
Feb 3, 2024
Ranger Colin takes TF (Top Flat) and TFT (Top Flat Track) chick weights. He then returns in about an hour and he swaps the chicks into each others nests.The younger chick TFT went to LGL and LGL's chick TF, went to BOK's nest. The reason for this swap is BOK's chick needs to be fed this morning and she seems to be depleted of food so the two chicks have been switched temporarily to achieve this feeding naturally. Right after Colin departed, Mama LGL began to feed TFT chick and gave a good feeding to her foster chick!! Well done LGL! Thank you for watching!
Video captured & edited by Lady Hawk
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Royal Albatross - 2/5 Nice round tummy's this morning
Check ups at both nests this morning. Top Flat chick with LGK, weighed 1.01 kg on day 13. TF chick will now be weighed once a week.
Top Flat Track chick weighed 505g on day 5 after a nice breakfast (8:45) with WYL.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1754302201391141020
Ranger Sharyn:
Kia ora koutou (hello everyone)
Today TF chick weighs 1.01kg and is 13 days old. This weight has been entered on the Track the chick’s weight graph:
https://www.doc.govt.nz/nat...
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How is my baby doing Colin? ;D
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2/7
A wonderful display with a Blue, LKO & LWK putting their wings up
TF chick & TFT chick were fed today. TFT was also weighed. Their Moms are in, swapped with the Dads yesterday. (2/6)
Albie Party Time at Top Flat ;D
https://twitter.com/i/status/1755195028807586082
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Royal Albatross ~ LGL Returns Home! Ranger Weighs TFT Chick! 💕🐥💕 2.12.24
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znxKQwrnpa4
TFT gets a weighing and check up this morning. Tomorrow we start the weekly weight checks for TF who is 20 days old today. TFT chick is 12 days old today and may be weighed once a week as well. 💕
Sweet LGL is home after being at sea three days! When she walks up to LGK she skycalls, LGK skycalls and so does neighbor BOK! LGL & LGK preen one another briefly - LGK gets up and it is doesn't take LGL long to capitalize on the changeover. But LGK is standing over the nest so she has to push her way in there only 6 minutes after she arrived! They both are looking down at little TF who is vocalizing in its baby voice. GK finally moves his leg and LGL stands over their chick. 🐥 LGK does some gardening close to the cam before he walked out of view. Thank you for watching!
Video captured & edited by Lady Hawk
Beautiful light shining on TF (Top Flat ) Dad and chick.
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Royal Albatross 2/14
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2/15
Non-breeder activity in the Top Flat area on Sunday.
The nests are in the background.
There is a ‘keeping company’ pair and adolescents of varying ages in the image.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GGVOdWPbAAAxomz?format=png&name=900x900)
A 'keeping company' pair are likely in their final year of courtship prior to breeding the following season.
Adolescents in the #RoyalCam view on Sunday.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GGVVhnUagAAG-8c?format=jpg&name=large)
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Royal Albatross - 2/18
A little tidy up around the webcam, thank you Sharyn, and skycall greetings for LGL. (Now, you can see both chicks, and they will see each other when parents are gone :-* )
Top Flat nest - LGL hears TF chick's little yaps and makes her way over to LGK. Time move LGK!
Top Flat Track nest ~ BOK swapped with WYL last night & both chicks have been fed this morning.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1759046552423993557
Grass and cam maintenance with an audience front and back. Thanks Sharyn.
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Royal Albatross - 2/20 Weigh Day
Colin weighed the chicks this morning with their Dads watching on. Yes there was changeovers at both TF & TFT nests.
Read Sharyn's update for the chicks weights, info about the imminent post guard stage esp. for TF chick & health checks.
The parents are trusting and patient while chick is being handled by ranger. :-*
https://twitter.com/i/status/1759908116177760701
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Royal Albatross ~ LGK Defends TF Against Adolescents! KA13 Pulls TF's Fluff 😲 WYL Visits LGK 2.22.24
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVfbSL3_gYo&t=779s
Feb 22, 2024
LGK spent the night with TF and in the morning defended TF as curious adolescents BGY and KA13 were too close to the nest. LGK chases them off but KA13 returns and approached TF and pulls its downy fluff! You can see the fluff in its bill. LGK chases him off again! Thankfully LGK was here to protect TF!
BOK returns and when WYL gets up off his nest to let her take over brooding of their chick, WYL comes over to LGK and visits for a long time and ends up taking a nap before he departs back out to sea.
TF is in the very beginning of the post-guard stage and LGK and LGL will be staying away for longer periods of time during the next couple of weeks. TF is a very brave chick getting its fluff pulled! Thank you for watching!
To see the highlights below, please click on the timestamps to advance to that portion of the video.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Opening - LGK wakes up with TF
02:45 TF busy with gardening!!
04:49 BGY arrives
05:40 KA13 comes into view and LGK chases both BGY & KA13 away
07:33 KA13 comes back & pulls TF fluff -LGK chases off
09:44 BOK arrives back to her nest
11:45 BOK/WYL changeover - WYL comes to LGK to visit and rest
Video captured & edited by Lady Hawk
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2/23 "Home Alone"
Top Flat chick spent their first night alone last night.
Dad LGK was back and forth, then finally left.
TF chick also had his/her first visitor come by, LWK who is in the process of finding a new mate.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1760820404657258801
Ever present LWK (single, no mate) checking in on TF chick
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/47580c7e228e90177ab368d79db9b1e55db4040a23fa15591100f259ddb543d5.png?w=800&h=493
Top Flat chick over night & this morning. The last pic, the Ranger was walking by. Also BOK is with TFT chick.
The health checks for the Top Flat area has moved to Monday due to Top Flat chick being in early post-guard stage.
Images from the #RoyalCam
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Royal Albatross - TF chick's mom LGL has been gone a week. It's becoming concerning :(. . Dad LGK has shown up every day with food so far. Rangers are keeping close eye on chick's weight and may help supplement chick's diet to ease dad's burden.
2/25
Little skycalls come in little packages. Top Flat chick's beautiful skycall yesterday afternoon.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1761545374073045325
Royal Albatross ~ Super Dad LGK Returns To Feed TF Twice & Spends The Night! 💕 2.24.24
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXt1iPHz81I
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Feb 24, 2024
LGK has been back every day since TF entered post guard stage on Feb 20th to make sure his chick is okay with being left alone now for periods of time and an overnight. And TF is doing a great job with this big change. LGK returns back late in the afternoon amidst the rain and bad weather at Taiaroa Head/Pukekura to take care of TF. LGK begins a long feeding and then rests for a while and begins a second feeding. LGK will take off for an hour and come back when it was getting dark and he spends the night ♥ This behavior is really heartwarming to watch as his instincts are telling him to keep checking on TF until LGL returns back. What dedication he displays...reminds me of another very special albie Dad who took his parenting role to heart - OGK. ♥ OGK found his way home injured and bleeding and still insisted on feeding Atawhai Pippa even in great pain while he healed. Such great devotion we see from these albie parents! Hurry home LGL ♥ Thank you for watching!
Video captured & edited by Lady Hawk
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The rangers posted Manaaki was left alone at 34 days, TF chick is only 29 days. But it is summer, the Albies need to be hydrated and need more food to be able to feed their chick.
5 Hours ago, Dad LGK returned! :-*
Great feed by Dad LGK for TF chick! A little attempted preen for 'the boss', then off again to go to sea for the next round. Champion LGK.
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Royal Albatross ~ LGK Gets To Meet TFT For 1st Time! 🐥 Shares Affectionate Preening w/ BOK 💕 2.25.24
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4w-uKxWgKQ
Feb 25, 2024
Dad LGK spent the night with TF and in the morning he gave two feedings. At the nest to the right TFT BOK flew in for another changeover with WYL. The coverage begins with LGK getting up and walking to the cam and giving us some great closeups! LGK is one handsome dude!! 💕 After several minutes of admiring himself for the camera, he heads over to TF who is not interested in another feeding at that time.
LGK walks over to BOK who is sitting on the nest and he reaches over and gives her some affectionate preening. He also does a playful nip at her feathers. They have a friendly neighborly interaction (no he is not disloyal to LGL by preening another female!) :) Albatross mate for life and very loyal and dedicated to their partner. Even when a partner dies, it can takes years before the bereaved albatross will start to find a new mate. LGK is just being neighborly 💕
BOK gets up and LGK gets to see TFT and touch it with his bill - sort of like the elephants that touch a new born ellie with their trunks! Very tender moment. Looks like both WYL and BOK will be good neighbors to LGK & LGL. ♥ LGK gets up and has a beautiful departure over the water! Hurry home LGL we miss you! Thank you for watching!
Video captured & edited by Lady Hawk
Health check for TF chick on left and TFT nest on the right of screen.
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MOM LGL has returned!!
TF Chick jumps up from sleep and sounds alert! Parent is coming! TFT parent calls out too!
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/b6/43/e1/b643e1dae74c1f8d274ae285414a12e8.jpg)
Welcome Home Mom LGL! She returns to see her much bigger chick!
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Lots of kisses, preening and feeding of chick :-*[/size]
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LGL tries to brood a much bigger chick after 9 days away. ;D
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/de/60/a5/de60a56a3a640c7a54db66b21b602b77.jpg)
Both mothers are sitting with their chicks. Hopefully LGL will stay the night... :-*
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/af/91/4d/af914dc837a737e1b9482b483028a319.jpg)
Mom LGL with TF chick laying under her with a look of pure contentment on both faces... mom and baby. :-*
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Royal Albatross - 2/27 Weigh day with Colin
This is the first weighing for Top Flat chick without a parent in attendance. Colin is very steady with slow movements to reassure chick its okay.
At 35 days old TF chick weighed 2.2kg slightly down from last weeks 2.3kg. LGL will feed chick later on.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1762420721077326250
It's Top Flat Track chick's turn with Mom BOK, and
guess what? At 27 days old TFT chick weighed the same as TF, 2.2kg up from 1.4kg last week.
Also WYL came in & LGK was in for a brief pitstop.
Sharyn's update will be shared later tomorrow. Cheers!
https://twitter.com/i/status/1762423879023440251
Track Flat (TF) Chick looks very content :-*
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Royal Albatross - 2/29
Hi everyone Sharyn's latest update from Feb 27. It contains interesting info about the health checks recently done on the colony's chicks including TF chick and TFT chick.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GHffF6CaIAA7RCt?format=jpg&name=large)
Top Flat Track nest
BOK and WYL discuss post-guard timing? WYL: I'm not convinced. Sits on TFT again. BOK always checks on Top Flat chick too, either before leaving or returning from trip.
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Royal Albatross :-*
Kia ora koutou (hello everyone)
Top Flat chick is 42 days old and weighs 3.3 kg at 9.59am this morning. This is 500g lighter than today’s heaviest chick of 3.8 kg. Last week Top Flat chick’s weight was 2.2 kg so today has been a sizable increase. LGK and LGL were both in at around 8.20am this morning. One of them had also fed their chick at 4.30am when it was still too dark to see the bands.
Check out Top Flat chick’s weight compared to the averages for males and females of the same age and the past Royalcam chicks.
https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/albatrosses/royal-albatross-toroa/royal-cam/track-the-chicks-weight/
Ranger Colin and weigh day for chicks!
https://twitter.com/i/status/1764982083884306507
Mom LGL came back to feed TF at 18:28-18:40 ♥
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And here comes Dad LGK to reunite with his family! A graceful landing LOL! ;D
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Beautiful family moments together! This was posted by Ranger Sharyn 10 hours ago. ;D
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Royal Albatross
The results are in and both chicks are male.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1766077906424574384
TFT chick watches parents
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Royal Albatross ~ TFT is In Post Guard Stage 💕 BOK Leaves Alone Overnight & Returns Next Day! 3.9.24
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XG0wceQ81A
Mar 9, 2024
It is now time for TFT chick to begin post guard stage - where both parents will be leaving their chick alone for short amounts of time and gradually lengthening the time away as they forage for food at sea. Mom BOK left her chick for a short time on March 8th and returned back. After she left, both chicks were tracking an incoming adult and it turns out to be our dear bereaved Dad LWK. He walks over to TF and says hello and touches his fluff. LWK is always the perfect gentleman albie....♥
BOK fed TFT and then she left again and did not return until the following day (March 9th) TFT spent its first night alone on the nest at 37 days old ♥ TFT and TF are able to see one another and I am sure that gave them both a little comfort, but especially to TFT who was missing having a parent brooding him. TFT had a peaceful night and did great!
Mom BOK returns & walks over to TF chick first to say hello. It looks like she wanted to preen his fluff ♥ Then she went to her nest and she spend a lot of time preening and giving affection to TFT. No doubt BOK missed her chick and TFT missed Mom too. The wind was blowing BOK's feathers as she was trying to brood TFT. She is such a beauty! She was able to manage getting part of TFT underneath her - his little head is sticking out. BOK spent the night with her chick and she took off the nest day. WYL is currently on the nest coming in (March 10th). Thank you for watching!
Video captured & edited by Lady Hawk
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Royal Albatross - 3/9
Last night Top Flat Track chick spent his first night alone with his neighbor TF chick close by. Well done TFT chick!
TFT-BOK came in at lunch time 12:57. She has just left,
and TF-LGK was in with a big "special" breakfast 10:30[/size]
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Royal Albatross ~ TF & TFT Chicks Graduate To Larger Green Baskets! 💪 Two Armfuls Of Fluff 😂 3.12.24
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yz-ockxDNTQ&t=6s
Mar 11, 2024
Early in the morning both TFT and TF will do yawns within minutes of one another! They are getting ready for the day and it is Tuesday so that means it is weight day for the chicks at the colony.Today both chicks graduated to a larger green basket! It now will take two rangers to successfully take their weights! YAY!! 💚🎉
They weighed TFT first - and this is no little chick anymore! Definitely will need to arms for both TF and TFT. 😣💚🎉 TFT did great and was returned to its nest. Ranger Colin approached TF very carefully. The whistling is to calm and distract the chick while the ranger are working to take their weight. TF tries to bite ranger Colin;s sleeve lol 🥰 So it begins! It is beneficial for the rangers to have long sleeve jackets while working with the chicks.
Boy oh boy did TF looks big this week when Colin but him in the basket! They cover the chicks eyes to keep them calm. The motion of going up in the air coupled with being in a basket could cause a chick to spill its stomach oil if unduly stressed so they go very slowly. 😣💚🎉
TF is then returned to his nest! Colin watches him to make sure he is okay and then they leave. TF then does a wing and body shake!! I can't wait to see how much these chicks weigh this week and will pin the totals to the top of the video! Thank you for watching! Lady Hawk
TF is 5.kg and TFT is 3.2kg! . TF is a big boy!!!! ♥♥ Heaviest chick in the colony this week!! Great job LGL and LGK!! And TFT is almost the same weight that TF was last week and doing well too!
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TFT Dad WYL stops and gives a neighborly preening to TF chick :-*
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Toroa/albatross chick dies from swallowing plastic
https://www.doc.govt.nz/news/media-releases/2024-media-releases/toroaalbatross-chick-dies-from-swallowing-plastic/
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Toroa chick in Dunedin Wildlife Hospital prior to of plastic ingestion. Credit, Dunedin Wildlife Hospital.
The problem with plastics is huge and individual contributions may seem small, but they are meaningful. Also meaningful is when groups, such as families, schools, community groups, businesses etc work on plastic reduction.
If you want to take your plastic free action further, I recommend the Cornell University Civic Ecology Lab Plastics Impact and Action global online course.
https://www.civicecology.org/ https://www.civicecology.or...
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Royal Albatross ~ Dad LGK Comes Back Twice! Feeds His Chick & Visits With TFT Chick! 💗 3.13.24
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbWWGdDBX2Y&t=1056s
Mar 13, 2024
Dad LGK has been coming in every other day to feed TF along with LGL! He arrives back to the nest and sits down and makes TF come towards him for the feeding! LGK feeds TF and when he is finished he sits down and gives a little preen to the top of TF's head ♥ LGK then departs but he comes back a few minutes later with a beautiful landing! But instead of heading back to his nest, he goes over to TFT's nest for a short & very polite little visit ♥ LGK is a gentleman albie Dad and TFT has nothing to be afraid of with him coming to visit (just like WYL does with TF).
LGK then makes his way back to TF and sits down to rest. He does not feed TF again, just stays for a few minutes and then he takes off as well. LGK is a wonderful albie Dad and is making sure that TF keeps growing and hitting all those weight markers! Thank you for watching!
Video captured & edited by Lady Hawk
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Royal Albatross ~ LGL & WYL Come Home To Feed Their Chicks! 💗 Sweet Neighborly Interactions 3.14.24
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4Q92vrolPA
Mar 15, 2024
This was a very interesting interaction by WYL and LGL when they came in to feed their chicks! First WYL arrives and he feeds TFT and sits and rests a while- then gives a 2nd feeding! TFT gets a huge piece (looks like a tentacle) and swallows it. WYL then leaves his nest and comes over to TF's nest and does some Albie- chick-sitting 🙂 Uncle WYL is such a great albie pseudo parent to TF.
LGL arrives back and walks up to her nest and has some neighborly interactions and preening with WYL. LGL walks over to TFT nest and WYL comes over and they have another preening session.
Albatross commonly will preen one another to remove head lice. It does not mean that they are interested in a new mate. LGL then returns to TF and gives her chick a feeding.
LGL returns to WYL and TFT and they interact once another. Looks like LGL does nudge TFT with her bill gently - TFT wants Dad all to his self! WYL starts in on giving TFT a 3rd feeding and LGL will leave. WYL departs shortly after LGL. TFT's weight should get a big bump up from today's feedings!! And will TF be able to maintain his status as the heaviest chick in the colony again next week? ♥
Video captured & edited by Lady Hawk
WYL and LGL at TF's nest
LGL leads WYL to TFT's nest
LGL and WYL check if the camera saw them canoodling ;D
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Royal Albatross - Ranger Sharyn posts
Kia ora koutou (hello everyone)
Top Flat chick is 56 days old and weighs 3.45 kg. This is a big drop from the massive 5 kg last week but is still up from the week prior which was 3.3kg. Top Flat chick was last fed by LGL on the 14th of March. LGK was last in on the 13th of March. A reweigh may be necessary later in the week if no further feeding is sighted here.
Top Flat Track chick is 48 days old and weighs 3.05 kg. This is down slightly from last week’s 3.2 kg but both parents have been in regularly here. Weighing at both nests was around 10.45am this morning. BOK arrived at Top Flat Track just over an hour later.
Both chicks are well into post-guard stage life now and have very thick down that keeps them warm and dry in stormy weather. Full tummies keep the chicks warm as well.
A technical note:
Our current webcam, supplied by Cornell Lab of Ornithology in 2019, the Axis P5635-E MkII PTZ, is being replaced by an Axis P5676-LE PTZ cam. This one has an inbuilt night light system so will be more streamlined that the first Axis model that became the Royalcam and is now in transit to Dunedin. We hope to have the new cam installed in a few weeks and the live stream will be off-line while the change is being made. It will be great to have the night viewing back now the days are getting shorter.
TF (Top Flat) chick on left - TFT (Top Flat Track) chick on right - both are in alert as weigh station rangers are coming.
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TFT got startled (and so did I!) when the Virgin Liner it blasted its horn while passing by.
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Royal Albatross ~ LGK Returns But Misses LGL By 3 Hours! Feeds TF & Baby-sits TFT 💕 3.23.24
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvt5xlJDKrE
Royal Albatross - Mar 24, 2024
Dad LGK comes back home the same day as LGL (TF's mom) - just missing her by 3 hours! What a shame - their reunions are few & far between now with both parents out full time foraging for food for their chick. LGK sits down like he likes to do upon arrival and then slowly make his way over to TF. LGK gives TF a feeding, rests again and then walks over to sit with TFT and baby-sit :) LGK is a gentle albie adult and TFT is happy to have the company. LGK comes back to be with TF and give a 2nd feeding. Thank you for watching!
Video captured & edited by Lady Hawk
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Royal Albatross ~ TF Does A Beautiful Skycall For LGL! ♫ ♥ Mum Feeds & Preens Her Chick! 4.1.24
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hm4bFlJgDR4&t=2s
Mar 31, 2024 - Easter
LGL is back after being gone for 6 days at sea! When TF sees that Mum is home, he lets out a beautiful skycall greeting to her! We have not heard any skycalls lately from the Royalcam chick so this was music to our ears! LGL approaches the nest and she returns the greeting - giving a full adult head thrown back version to her chick ♥ LGL will give TF a nice feeding and he gets some good mouthfuls of the squid special of the day! LGL also did a light preening on TF which was sweet and affectionate of her. LGL gets up and walks out of view on her way back to the sea to forage for food again. Hopefully she will find success close to home this time! Thank you for watching!
Video captured & edited by Lady Hawk
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Mom BOK with her Easter chick TFT :-*
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Weigh Day for TF and TFT!
Top Flat chick is 70 days old and weighs 6 kg at 9.03am today. Last week’s weight was 5.6kg. The top weight today was 6.7 kg.
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Top Flat Track chick is 62 days old and weighs 4.9 kg at 9.05am today. Last week’s weight was 4.6kg.
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Both chicks had feeds from parents yesterday. Parents need all the time they can get to find enough food for their fast-growing chicks.
The image below shows the GPS track of LGL when she raised Tiaki* in 2021. Albatross do not require much energy to fly as they use the wind currents. What they do need is a very good sense of smell to locate their food and to be able to fly vast distances. They will rest on the surface of the ocean and can fly 1000 km in a day. The speed an albatross flies depends on the wind speed. One of the earliest records of albatross flight speeds was when an albatross passed a helicopter travelling at 115 km/hr.
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Mom BOK visits and feeds chick TFT :-*
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Last night: the chicks were working on their nests... looking quite close here. TFT was really moving around.
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Royal Albatross cam - 4/7
It's the weekend and party time at Top Flat with the young adolescents, yesterday. Both Moms, LGL and BOK, were in, too.
Also New Zealand Daylight Saving ended last night. At 3am the clock switched to 2am
Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1776735204058800448
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Royal Albatross cam -
Apr 9, 2024 #birdcams #albatross #nowplaying
Watch LGK—the adult male from the Top Track nest site—wander into frame and begin feeding his lumbering, down-covered chick. This is LGK's first visit to the nest in more than 2 weeks! Adult Northern Royal Albatrosses can travel vast distances over the ocean to find food for themselves and their chick. In fact, one adult was tracked traveling more than 8000 miles in a single 2-week foraging trip!
Male LGK Royal Albatross Returns After Two-Week Foraging Trip To Feed Nestling TF
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dScQ6wH9V8&t=5s
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4/10 The chicks were weighed yesterday.
TF chick was 77 days old & weighed 5.9 kg, chick was then fed by Mum LGL & Dad LGK!
TFT chick was 69 days old & weighed 5.3 kg, he was fed by his Dad WYL later on.
Sharyn's update below and LGK video/news
http://AllAboutBirds.org/Albatross
https://twitter.com/i/status/1777798510710075511
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Royal Albatross - A special skycall duet. :-*
Top Flat Track chick and Top Flat chick skycalling a few days ago.
Also includes their Dads, TF LGK and TFT WYL who were both away for a few weeks
Today; TFT Mom BOK and TF Dad LGK were in.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1778346497005981993
TFT chick with Dad WYL
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TFT chick with mom BOK
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Royal Albatross
Kia ora koutou (hello everyone) posted by Ranger Sharyn Broni
The new cam has been installed, thank you for your patience while we have been offline and while we have been unable to provide night viewing. We have been testing cam operations and will set presets for the cam ops this afternoon. We will, of course must wait till darkness to check out the InfraRed capabilities (visible to the cam but not the wildlife).
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Toroa News
EDIT: Next week's weigh day will be on Monday 22nd April rather than the usual Tuesday.
LGK fed Top Flat chick at 1207 hours as the live stream came back online.
Weighing of chicks happened 20 minutes or so after the live stream came back online but Top Flat chick was a bit too nervous after the activity at the cam and had just been fed anyway. Risking losing a fresh meal does not benefit the chick.
Top Flat chick is 84 days old, the average weight for males at this age is 6.5 kg.
Last week's update: Top Flat chick is 77 days old and weighs 5.9 kg at 9.20am. This is just under average for this age and slightly down on last week’s weight. At 9.26am LGL came in and fed her chick. Rangers were well away from the area at this stage having already weighed the heaviest chick at Observation Post which recorded a hefty 7.5 kg.
This week the Observation Post chick was the heaviest chick again at 7.8 kg. A larger basket has been necessary for weighing of these large chicks.
Check the graph here: https://www.doc.govt.nz/nat...
Dad LGK feeding TF chick.
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Dad LGK would later sleep between the two chicks
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Dad WYL and his chick TFT
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