SNIP!!
>[Grey-headed Albatross: 1. A peculiar white-headed & white-necked bird
>with black bill, yellowish culminicorn & all dark underwing. Photos
>revealing bill structure will settle ID.]
SNIP!!
Dear Mike and Ausbirders
I don't think that this is really that unusual, perhaps rather normal. We
have seen several similar immature (3/4 year old) GHAS on Wollongong trips
that do NOT have ANY grey on the head or neck that are confusable with 2nd
year Campbell Albatross. Needless to say I have heard some very
uncomplementary language when I have identified these as GHAS!!!
The late and much missed Peter Prince provided SOSSA with colour
photographs from Bird Island, South Georgia which set a very clear
precedent for this plumage in GHAS.
It should be emphasised that even first year birds have the characteristic
bill colouration/pattern but it is very subdued and not easy to see in the
field.
regards
Milburn
Dr P.J. Milburn
Biomolecular Resource Facility
Australian National University
GPO Box 334
Canberra
ACT 0200
+61 2 6125 4173 'Phone
+61 2 6125 4326 FAX
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