Wandering Albatross spreading wings - South Georgia Island
see in Google Maps download to Google EarthA Wandering Albatross is spreading its wing in the tussock grass of Albatross Island, South Georgia Island.
Years ago I saw Sir David Attenborough in television visiting a remote breeding ground of Wandering Albatrosses. A dream came thru when I experienced the colony at Albatross Island -Just fantastic!
The Wandering albatross (Diomedea exulans) has the largest wingspan of any living bird, with an average wingspan of 3.1 meters (10.2 ft) and some individuals have a 3.7 meter wingspan (12 ft).
Albatross Island is now closed to visitors due to a dramatic decline in number of breeding birds. Only the nearby Prion Island is still open, but for how long?
5-10 % of the global population of Wandering albatrosses is killed every year mostly due to illegal long line fishing after tuna and other fish. Soon it will be impossible for everyone but scientist to experience these magnificent birds in their breeding colonies.
It is on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. A number of people and organizations are trying to save the albatross from extinction.
Links:
Wikipedia: Wandering Albatross
Birdlife - Save the albatross
Forest and bird - Save the albatross