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Albatross Cam shows Albatrosses using Killer Whalesin Interesting Feedin

To: <>, <>
Subject: Albatross Cam shows Albatrosses using Killer Whalesin Interesting Feeding Strategy
From: inger vandyke <>
Date: Fri, 27 Nov 2009 04:00:46 +0000
Hhhm I think it depends on where you have seen them.  That might be the case 
for Australia in most conditions.


If you see them in their true Antarctic/Subantarctic territory, they can quite 
literally spread their wings and lift because the winds are strong enough to 
blow even a person over if they are on the deck of a ship watching albatrosses 
at sea or on the cliffs of somewhere like Campbell Island.  It is awesome to 
watch a bird that weighs nearly 11kg saunter up to an island 'runway' and stand 
with their wings out just to take off.  A once in a lifetime experience.



Of course that, plus when they gamm :-)







Inger Vandyke

Natural History Writer and Photographer

Assistant Publicity Officer - Southern Oceans Seabird Study Association (SOSSA)

Mob:  0402 286 437

www.ingervandyke.com









> From: 
> To: 
> Subject: Re: [Birding-Aus] Albatross Cam shows Albatrosses using Killer 
> Whalesin Interesting Feeding Strategy
> Date: Fri, 27 Nov 2009 14:49:53 +1100
> CC: 
>
> I'd disagree on the point about being easy for Albatross to take off
> Gary. They always seem to need a big run-off flapping their wings to
> get into the air from all the times I've seen them on pelagics.
> They're a big bird - yes once they're flying it seems effortless but
> I've never seen one just lift its wings and suddenly be airborne! I'm
> sure some more recognised pelagic experts could offer their opinion
> though.
>
> Cheers
> Dave
>
>
> On 27/11/2009, at 1:40 PM, gary wright wrote:
>
> Hi Carl,
>
> Very interesting about using killer whales as a source of food. The
> idea that taking off for an Albatross would use up energy is not
> likely as if there is a wind which there usually is, they just need to
> raise their wings and lift off.
>
> Gary



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