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title: "The first Northern Royal Albatross egg for the season has been laid at Tairaoa Head"
---

# The first Northern Royal Albatross egg for the season has been laid at Tairaoa Head

![First egg 2026 27](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/First_egg_2026_27.jpg)   
*First egg for the 2026/27 season*

 [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) Northern Royal Albatrosses *Diomedea sanfordi* have commenced the 2026/27 breeding season in the mainland colony at [Pukekura/Taiaroa Head](https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/otago/places/otago-peninsula-area/taiaroa-head-nature-reserve/) on New Zealand’s South Island.  The first egg was laid on 01 November by colour-banded birds GLY and L, laying in the previous season’s [Royalcam](https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/albatrosses/royal-albatross-toroa/royal-cam/) nest.  The birds were also the Royalcam pair during 2023 and have fledged four chicks.  So there is no need to move the camera.

  *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 01 November 2026*