Not too many words in this blog. Just some nice pictures to
celebrate all things albatross! We’ve just returned from a trip to Gonydale to
do a final fledgling count of our Gonys (Tristan albatrosses), and there really
weren’t many left. However, as one season draws to a close, the next
begins……adult Tristans are returning to Gonydale in some number, pairing up and
prospecting for nests. And we should have eggs by the end of the month!
Pairs
which have successfully raised a chick this year will take this next season off in
order to moult and recover body condition. That means the adults returning to
Gough now will likely be birds which failed to raise a chick in 2016 or were
successful last year.We will bring you news (and pictures) of this next season’s
Gony chicks once they hatch. Incubation will last some two and a half months
and once hatched the chicks will not fly for around eight to nine months!
But in the meantime……..we have our first Sooty Albatross
chicks! The first was discovered on 4th December (also my sister's Birthday!) and chicks have
been popping up along Gough's sea cliffs during the last week. Chicks will be brooded for the
next couple of weeks and will remain with us until fledging around April/May.
So enough words, here are some photos……
David
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| A Gony family at Gonydale (David Kinchin-Smith) |
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| Still downy a few weeks ago (David Kinchin-Smith) |
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| Not long until take-off (David Kinchin-Smith) |
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| Huge feet! Or small hands.....(David Kinchin-Smith) |
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| Taken at a respectful distance (David Kinchin-Smith) |
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| One proud parent (David Kinchin-Smith) |
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| Our Molly chicks growing fast! (David Kinchin-Smith) |
Brilliant pix, keep safe and well both of you. Dave D
ReplyDeleteThank you Dave, and thank you for reading!
DeleteJust been given the link to your blog - I couldn't be happier that life has led you to such a fabulous location, doing such a brilliant job! I know you'll make the most of it, enjoy. Melinda x
ReplyDeleteHi Melinda! Is this Melinda from Mursley? We are so lucky to be here, it is the best job in the world! Hope all the family's well!
DeleteThese photographs are absolutely breathtaking!
ReplyDeleteThank you Leah. I wish I could say it was skill, but the birds do all the hard work!
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