Wandering Albatross

The Wandering Albatross has the largest wingspan of any living bird, typically ranging from 2.51 to 3.5 m. As a result of its wingspan, it is capable of remaining in the air without beating its wings for several hours at a time. The length of the body is about 3 ft 6 in to 4 ft 5 in. Adults can weigh from 5.9 to 12.7 kg . Immature birds have been recorded weighing as much as 16.1 kg (35 lb) during their first flights (at which time they may still have fat reserves that will be shed as they continue to fly). The plumage varies with age, with the juveniles starting chocolate brown. As they age they lose their color and get whiter. The adults have white bodies with black and white wings. Males have whiter wings than females with just the tips and trailing edges of the wings black. They also show a faint peach spot on the side of the head. The Wandering Albatross is the whitest of the Wandering Albatross species. The large bill is pink, as are the feet. They also have a salt gland that is situated above the nasal passage and helps desalinate their bodies, due to the high amount of ocean water that they imbibe. It excretes a high saline solution from their nose.
I had a fantastic day on the boat. We saw all Wandering Albatross, no Bullers or Mollymawk( too early for them- they are still south.)We also saw Cape Pigeons...so small in comparison to the Albatross. The tour leader tosses a large container of Burley( fish bits) that has been frozen into a solid block and it tied to back of boat. It slowly thaws when it is in the sea water. The birds know each day there will be a free feed when the boat comes out into the open ocean. This albatross was making his way as fast as possible to the back of the boat. They looked so funny. It was an amazing experience- could nearly touch them. I have put some also in my blipfolio...check them out here