Black-browed Albatross
Black-browed Albatross (Thalassarche melanophrys) in section of the colony which is being studied. Long term research project to investigate the reasons why the population is in decline. Whether it be in the adult stock, chick recruitment into the population or sub-adult mortality. Birds are ringed to identify individuals which is also showing high pair and nest site fidelity. During research period the birds are marked with orange paint to observe their location at sea and to ensure that each bird in the study area is censused which allows for less handling during the season.
Steeple Jason Island. FALKLAND ISLANDS.
They return to the same nest annually. The nest is a a solid pillar up to 50cm high of mud and guano with some grass and seaweed incorporated. A single egg is laid in October and juveniles fledge between mid March and April. They have a circumpolar range betweeen 65 S and 20 south and breed on Subantarctic Islands, Including South Georgia and islands off southern South America. In the Falklands they are also found on Beauchene, Saunders, West Point and New Island.
The Jasons (Grand, Elephant and Steeple) are a chain of islands 40 miles (64km) north and west off West Falkland towards Patagonia. Steeple is 6 by 1 mile (10Km by 1.6km) in size. From the coast the land rises steeply to a rocky ridge running along the length.
THIS ISLAND HAS THE LARGEST BLACK-BROWED COLONY IN THE WORLD WITH 100,000+ PAIRS. The island is owned by WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society) Falklands Conservation have an ongoing research project with the Albatross on Steeple Jason.
LISTED AS ENDANGERED
