One little frigate, next to its father. It has the unmistakable beak of a frigate, long and hooked. It is the only thing this bird hasn't sacrifice to become lighter. Because they are really light, so light that their feathers are heavier than their bones.
The father is a Great frigate, fregata minori, recognizable because of the green back feathers. Male and female take turns for the caring of the young. This chick will remain in the same nest for quite a long time.
I will come back week after week to Genovesa Island, and the chick will be in the same spot. They can fly only when they are about 7 months old. Their parents invest a long time and a lot of energy to rear them; they are altricial birds.
The Polaris will be gone to dry dock, the water will get a little cooler, and I will be enjoying long vacations. And when we all come back, the little frigate will still be there.
