Scientists just back from an annual white-capped albatross census in the remote and windswept subantarctic islands are hopeful for the welfare of the endemic seabirds. The white-capped albatross. "White-capped albatross are renowned for quite large changes in birds actually breeding in any one year and it is birds actually sitting on an egg that are counted to give an index of the population,'' Mr Wells said. "There are hints that this year is one where more birds took a break from laying but were still present at the breeding sites.'' "Those on an egg sit very snugly and firmly on them so can be recognised as breeders.''

Source: Otago Daily Times January 30, 2017 20:56 UTC