Molly Monitoring

Part of our work out here includes the regular monitoring of several species, the data from which helps us to build a long-term picture of what is happening on Gough. Three of these species are near to the Base, so we each take responsibility for one. Mine are the Atlantic Yellow-Nosed Albatrosses or Mollys to the Tristanians. Although much smaller than the Tristan Albatross (with a wingspan of two metres rather than three), they are almost as majestic and, I think, the loveliest bird on the island.

A Molly sitting tight on its nest (Em Witcutt)

Their most characteristic feature is a long black bill with a bright yellow stripe along the top, fading to bright pink at the very tip. They also have beautifully smoky eyes and a golden stripe extending from their bill, which is only visible when they display, either in aggression or to their mate.

Beautiful bird! (Em Witcutt)

Showing off his golden stripe; 'Get away from my egg!' (Em Witcutt)

These displays are fascinating to watch, and have been a frequent sight recently as the birds are now paired up and have laid their eggs in their impressive, pedestal-like nests. Displaying between pairs begins with the birds bowing to one another, fanning their tails, flashing their gape stripe and calling loudly. They also ‘bill-point’ and preen one another. Pairs will stay together for many years, unless they fail to breed successfully or one mate doesn’t return. When one of the pair returns to the nest after feeding at sea, they always seem so excited to see their mate. They are very affectionate towards one another and will spend a good deal of time displaying and preening before swapping parental duties so that the other of the pair can head off to feed.

A happy couple preening one another (David Kinchin-Smith)

My job is to find and mark each nest in our long-term study colony, and to keep an eye on every pairs breeding attempt over the course of the season. Easy, except that Yellow-Nosed Albatrosses are excellent at hiding, choosing thick Phylica trees to build their nests in. We have 63 nests in the study colony; 18 more than last year. Certain characters are already shining through, such as C41, whose unwelcoming disposition has already earned her the nickname ‘Snappy’. I suspect this pairs egg will be fiercely protected, but more on their fortunes in a later post. We’re expecting the first chick towards the end of November, I can’t wait!

Eyeing Snappy warily... (David Kinchin-Smith)

Em