Northern and Southern Royal Albatross

This post contains information regarding the identification of Northern (Diomedia sanfordi) and Southern Royal albatross (Diomedia epomophora) including comparative photographs. These species are huge and sit within the group known as the great albatrosses alongside the similarly sized Wandering Albatross species complex. One way of separating this species from the wanderers is to look for a black edge along the upper mandible of the bill - if present you have either a Northern or Southern Royal albatross. Distinction of adult Northern and Southern Royal Albatross can be achieved by examining the leading edge of the inner upper wing, which is distinctly white in adult Southern Royal Albatross. Southern Royal Albatross are also more humpbacked than Northern Royals and Wandering Albatross.

Both species range widely over the Southern oceans but are New Zealand breeding endemics, with most Southern Royals breeding on Campbell Island and most Northern Royals breeding on the Chathams.

The white edge of the inner upper wing can be seen clearly on the adult Southern Royal in the two images below.

Below is a younger Southern Royal with more black on its wings, the white leading edge is still prominent. Note the humpback, more prominent than in the adult Northern Royal Albatross (2nd shot down).

The photograph below shows the black edge along the inside of the upper mandible on a Southern Royal.

The bird below is an adult New Zealand or Gibson's Wandering Albatross (Diomedia antipodensis gibsoni), note the vermiculations along the back and the lack of any black on the mandible.

As Southern Royal Albatross age, their plumage becomes more white, below is a mature adult bird.

The photographs below shots an adult Northern Royal Albatross for plumage comparison. Northern Royal Albatross are the only great albatross to retain fully black upper wings in adult plumage.

Watching Southern Royal Albatross interact was an awesome and unforgettable experience.

These birds were all seen and photographed either from Kaikoura or to the East of Stewart Island.

Enjoy!

Storm-petrels of New Zealand

On any birding trip to New Zealand, the many possible Procellariformes are going to be a highlight, within this most wonderful order, the storm-petrels and especially the relatively recently rediscovered (2003) New Zealand Storm-petrel are often at the top of one's wishlist. As well as the NZ Storm-petrel, White-Faced and Grey-Backed may be encountered, less often seen are the Antarctic dwelling Black-Bellied and also Wilson's.. There is an ocean of possibility, especially during and after extreme weather events. During my trip I encountered four storm-petrel species and photographed three well. Again, the boat trips (and weather conditions!?) were all organised by Wrybill (http://www.wrybill-tours.com/)

First and in my opinion foremost, the New Zealand Storm-petrel (appropriately, Fregatta maoriana). This species is usually seen in the Hauraki Gulf, though I believe there are several records off Whitianga and even a couple of accepted records now in Australian waters, so how far they range is up in the air. The species breeds on one of the islands in the Hauraki Gulf, Little Barrier Island I believe. 

First, a comparison shot of a NZ Storm-petrel alongside White-faced. Note the size difference. The two species also behave differently with the NZ Storm-petrel generally having a much faster and more bouncy flight. White-faced will feed in a relatively stable position, whereas the NZ Storm-petrels certainly didn't stay put for long. 

Below, a feeding pass. The birds were attracted to the boat by 'chum', discarded waste products from the fishing industry which this chap/ess(?) made the most off. 

A storm-petrel dancing along the water. Note the streaking on the white belly.

The below photograph is one of my top shots of the trip for sure. A backlit bird skipping across the water having just made a feeding pass. 

Next up, White-faced Storm-petrels. Three of the six subspecies have been recorded in NZ waters, I will not attempt to identify to sub species level but it is likely that the birds I photographed are 'maoriana' the subspecies that breeds on the New Zealand mainland, Auckland Islands and Chathams. I observed this species in the Hauraki, offshore from Kaikoura and also to the east of Stewart Island.

Below is my favourite shot of this species. It took several hundred attempts to get this low to the water, forward facing positioning. A key factor was waiting for a bird to be high in the swell whilst the boat was positioned lower down. 

Finally, this is my one and only photograph of a very grey looking Black-bellied Storm-petrel. This bird didn't stick around unfortunately.  Photo taken offshore to the east of Stewart Island.

Enjoy and feel free to comment/share with anyone who might enjoy this post.