Today’s photo is of the little-known yellow-nosed albatross visiting us all the way from the remote southern Atlantic island of Tristan da Cunha. These are normally “difficult to see” albatrosses which make their home far, far away from the mainland of Brazil, but come here to feed (mostly on squid) in the productive waters along this coast. One of only 17 species (or 24 species depending on which classification system you use) of albatrosses, the yellow-nosed is dynamic and beautiful, often times seen on the wing wheeling about between the waves, or today, with little wind, resting on the surface of the sea awaiting dusk, for it is in the evenings and at night when they feed on the bioluminescent squid that rise to the surface.
The “yellow nose” is hard to see unless the bird flies directly toward you, but rest assured it has a bright yellow ridge on the top of its beak. I have been fortunate enough to see this magnificent bird on the nest in Tristan da Cunha, and it is perhaps one of the most stunningly beautiful animals on the planet. We have been so fortunate to have them grace our presence today. I hope they stay with us for days to come!
