
20.30

20.35

20.39

Sharyn Broni (Ranger, DOC)Sharyn Broni (Ranger, DOC)
While we have all been waiting, pairs of albatross have been busy with 31 eggs having been laid so far.
Fertility checks have started for the oldest eggs with 2 out of 2 eggs being confirmed as fertile so far.
Mating is a critical time and all wildlife need space during the mating season to ensure best chances of producing off-spring.
Sharyn Broni (Ranger, DOC)Sharyn Broni (Ranger, DOC)
Royalcam and Albatross News
Kia ora koutou (hello everyone)
The cam, which is still situated 6m from Atawhai's old nest is lucky enough to be able to see two nests through the grass due to being able to pan the cam. This is not the final location of the cam for the year long 20/21 season, but an opportunity for us to at least see some of the comings and goings of albatross in this area.
Egg laying is not yet complete and when it is the Albatross Ranger Team will make a on which nest will have the privilege of being the new Royalcam family. There are many factors involved in this decision and moving the cam is a big job.
We will zoom into LGK and LGL's nest when possible, however when they are sleeping there is not too much too see. The cam will be zoomed out at other times to capture flying and potential arrivals in the area.
You will see a ranger approach the nest daily to confirm identity of however is incubating the egg. Sometimes the colour bands are visible from a distance and we do not need to get too close. Other times we need to check underneath the bird to confirm who is on. This is necessary as we will take action to protect the egg from possible desertion if a changeover period is too long. A long changeover period is considered to be 13 days and above. Albatross do not need to eat every day but longer than 15 days and we will ensure that they are hydrated
and have food if necessary.
Individual albatross sighted for this season is now over 120 and will continue to rise as younger non-breeders arrive to socialize and look for a mate over the summer months.
Egg laying has been a busy time and fertility checks have begun. These will only be done during dry conditions as the egg shell is porous and should not get wet. We have had more than 36 eggs laid so far (this was the total from last year) but will leave reporting on the final number once we are sure that we have no more on the way.
Sharyn Broni (Ranger, DOC)Sharyn Broni (Ranger, DOC)
Royalcam and Albatross News
Kia ora koutou (hello everyone)
39 eggs have been laid and over 120 adult albatross for the 20/21 season have been identified.
Two thirds of the eggs have been candled now. The two nests which are visible from the cam through the long grass are on fertile eggs.