You have to see an albatross to appreciate an albatross. In photos they kind of look like regular old sea gulls. But these guys are impressive. And big. Very big. Their wingspan can reach eight feet. Watching them fly — gliding effortlessly over the ocean — is pretty amazing. I also love their very cool looking black brows. Much more on these guys in future posts, but for now here’s a shot of two performing a synchronized mating dance. Nikon D800 with Nikkor 17-35mm lens (at 22mm) ISO 400, f/2.8 at 1/800th of a second
Wow! Where was this photo taken, Sean? Someday I hope to see one of these beauties and thanks to your amazing image and brief description I know to watch for their distinctive brows!
Beautiful picture. I love their sherbet colored beaks against their gray and white feathers. I wonder why the albatross is used as a metaphor for being a burden? Does anyone know?
Thanks Maria. And I know this one from my days as an English major in college. It comes from Samuel Taylor Coleridge and his poem “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.” There was an albatross following the mariner’s ship. This was thought to be good luck, but the mariner shoots and kills the albatross, reversing the course of the good luck. The mariner had to then carry that burden for the rest of his life.
Well, it’s certainly a great place to see them. Antarctica is probably still the best place, but the cost is a lot higher, you have to go on a cruise ship and it takes much more time to get there. In fact, most of the Antarctic cruises start in the Falklands. South Georgia Island is supposed to be one of the truly greatest wildlife destinations in the world. I haven’t been there for the above stated reasons. What I loved about the Falklands is that it’s a land based destination. No ship to get back to. You can go out as early as you want in the morning and stay out as late as you want. You’re really on your own time (unless you go as part of a regimented group tour). The Falklands are probably the southern-most place on earth that you can do a land based trip. I loved the independence. You won’t get the penguins on ice with great mountains in the backdrop, but you will get them on the beach, and the rocky cliffs, and the tussac grass etc, etc. They are all over the place so no worries about seeing them. You’re guaranteed four species by going to the Falklands and possible another one or two.
Thanks Sean, and of course there are other species like the albatross, which you’ve shown us so beautifully.
Suzanne
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You have to see an albatross to appreciate an albatross. In photos they kind of look like regular old sea gulls. But these guys are impressive. And big. Very big. Their wingspan can reach eight feet. Watching them fly — gliding effortlessly over the ocean — is pretty amazing. I also love their very cool looking black brows. Much more on these guys in future posts, but for now here’s a shot of two performing a synchronized mating dance.
Beautiful birds and gorgeous image!
I love what appears to be an accordion skirt on the bird closest to the camera, although I suppose those are tail feathers and both genders have them.
Wow! Where was this photo taken, Sean? Someday I hope to see one of these beauties and thanks to your amazing image and brief description I know to watch for their distinctive brows!
Thanks Sue, this one was on Saunders Island in the Falkland Islands.
Bills to clack feathers fanned—- As love finds these wondrous creatures with —- Ocean breeze and curious neighbor .
Oh! How lovely!
Beautiful picture. I love their sherbet colored beaks against their gray and white feathers. I wonder why the albatross is used as a metaphor for being a burden? Does anyone know?
Thanks Maria. And I know this one from my days as an English major in college. It comes from Samuel Taylor Coleridge and his poem “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.” There was an albatross following the mariner’s ship. This was thought to be good luck, but the mariner shoots and kills the albatross, reversing the course of the good luck. The mariner had to then carry that burden for the rest of his life.
That’s the best eyeliner job I’ve ever seen.
Wait till you see the close up shots.
So if one wants to see penguins of various sorts, is the Falklands better than Antarctica?
Well, it’s certainly a great place to see them. Antarctica is probably still the best place, but the cost is a lot higher, you have to go on a cruise ship and it takes much more time to get there. In fact, most of the Antarctic cruises start in the Falklands. South Georgia Island is supposed to be one of the truly greatest wildlife destinations in the world. I haven’t been there for the above stated reasons. What I loved about the Falklands is that it’s a land based destination. No ship to get back to. You can go out as early as you want in the morning and stay out as late as you want. You’re really on your own time (unless you go as part of a regimented group tour). The Falklands are probably the southern-most place on earth that you can do a land based trip. I loved the independence. You won’t get the penguins on ice with great mountains in the backdrop, but you will get them on the beach, and the rocky cliffs, and the tussac grass etc, etc. They are all over the place so no worries about seeing them. You’re guaranteed four species by going to the Falklands and possible another one or two.
Thanks Sean, and of course there are other species like the albatross, which you’ve shown us so beautifully.
Suzanne
Nice back drop.
great pic. hope to[ travel to this place some day, when I have some extra money laying around,?