Rising Tide Images
Arriving Albatross
A Laysan albatross returns to the breeding colony after months at sea. This one seemed curious as it turns to fly over me. Albatross are among the most energy efficient flyers. Their high aspect ratio wing is most efficient for long distance gliding. Bones lock into position requiring no muscle to keep the six foot wing span extended. At sea it will have an oscillating glide path as it rises on orographic lift off wave faces then gravity accelerates into the wave troughs to glide for thousands of miles across the Pacific. Seemingly nomadic wandering over open ocean is actually guided by its remarkable olfactory acuity enabling location of surface forage at upwelling sites. The aerodynamics of albatross flight are fascinating, but it is the nearly effortless calm beauty and aerial grace that keeps me enviously watching them for hours.
Arriving Albatross
A Laysan albatross returns to the breeding colony after months at sea. This one seemed curious as it turns to fly over me. Albatross are among the most energy efficient flyers. Their high aspect ratio wing is most efficient for long distance gliding. Bones lock into position requiring no muscle to keep the six foot wing span extended. At sea it will have an oscillating glide path as it rises on orographic lift off wave faces then gravity accelerates into the wave troughs to glide for thousands of miles across the Pacific. Seemingly nomadic wandering over open ocean is actually guided by its remarkable olfactory acuity enabling location of surface forage at upwelling sites. The aerodynamics of albatross flight are fascinating, but it is the nearly effortless calm beauty and aerial grace that keeps me enviously watching them for hours.