Rising Tide Images
Flyover
A Laysan albatross glides over a nest site at the breeding colony searching for its mate after months of solitary wandering of tens of thousands of miles over the north Pacific. Returning with strong mate fidelity, birds search to reestablish the bond with their mate. When the likely prospect is found, an intricate courtship dance ensues with grunts, whistles, head bobbing, sky calling, bill fencing, and other elaborate visual and auditory ritual repertoire. Olfactory clues are also likely involved. Juveniles and vagrants from other colonies may also do the courtship dance seeking to establish a bond with an initial or new mate.
Flyover
A Laysan albatross glides over a nest site at the breeding colony searching for its mate after months of solitary wandering of tens of thousands of miles over the north Pacific. Returning with strong mate fidelity, birds search to reestablish the bond with their mate. When the likely prospect is found, an intricate courtship dance ensues with grunts, whistles, head bobbing, sky calling, bill fencing, and other elaborate visual and auditory ritual repertoire. Olfactory clues are also likely involved. Juveniles and vagrants from other colonies may also do the courtship dance seeking to establish a bond with an initial or new mate.