The four species we're following are Grey-headed Albatrosses, Wandering Albatross, Light-mantled Albatross and Black-browed Albatross. We have been working with an artist in Japan to create cartoons of these four species so that you can become more familiar with them and their distinct personalities. Through our two cameras on Bird Island you’ll be able to watch these birds connect with their mates, lay their eggs, and raise chicks in the harsh sub-Antarctic climate throughout 2019.
As we start to really get to know the stars of #AlbatrossStories there is one important piece of information missing – their names! To start with we need some inspired and imaginative names for the Wandering albatross couple who are devoted to their egg. These committed parents are very experienced having been together for 25 years. The Dad who celebrates his 40th birthday this month has successfully raised 18 chicks already! The pair will continue to incubate their egg until mid-March when we hope to see a fluffy chick emerge!
We are also after some imaginative names for our Grey-Headed albatross Dad and his gorgeous chick! The Dad will be turning 60 this year and shows no signs of slowing down! He is away for days at a time finding fish and squid for his chick, meaning the fluff ball is left to fend for itself during this time. We are loving watching it grow and can’t wait to see what names you think of for the chick and its Dad!
We’re particularly looking for schools to get involved so if you are a teacher, know teachers, or are involved in a school in any way, please pass on the message that we need albatross names! Kids will be able to follow the lives of these birds throughout the year and we will have more competitions for them to enter.
Email albatross.stories@gmail.com with your suggestions by 19th March and please be sure to state which albatrosses your names are for.
If you’d like to know more about each albatross, check out the Albatross Stories website, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and follow #AlbatrossStories on social media!
By Nina da Rocha (Albatross Task Force Project Officer)