Aussie seabird researchers support World Albatross Day with their photos and quotes

Albatrosses epitomise the wild natural world – their protection leads to conservation outcomes that cross biomes and ecosystems - Aleks Terauds

ACAP Latest News has received a number of inspirational quotes and photographs by Australian marine ornithologists that reside in Tasmania.  They were displayed on a big screen during the Australian Antarctic Division’s celebration of World Albatross Day and its theme of Climate Change last month. A selection expressing “insights and images from those lucky few who have sat quietly in the presence of an albatross” follows.

The seemingly endless sea of Black-browed Albatrosses on Steeple Jason was a sight to behold - Julie McInnes

Time spent amongst albatrosses has always given me an unparalleled sense of remoteness, and a feeling of how small we really are - David Green

It’s easy to see how albatrosses have become some of the most romanticized creatures.  In the sky they radiate grace and stillness – perfectly in paradox with the tumultuous Southern Ocean.  They have become specialists in the most fierce of conditions – yet are so vulnerable - Mel Wells

Observing albatrosses in their natural environment is the ultimate catharsis.  I’ve been working with these animals for five years now, and I still get childishly excited whenever I see one - Ben Viola

It seems an impossible task to find an animal more attuned to its environment than the albatross to the Southern Ocean - Jaimie Cleeland

The sea, the air, the birds ... the honour - Roger Kirkwood

Serene day crawling around the tussock reading Wandering Albatross bands on the southern Macquarie Island slopes... - Kris Carlyon

See Paige Green’s contribution here.  Read more of the division’s celebrations of WAD2022 here.

With thanks to Jaimie Cleeland, Australian Antarctic Division.

John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 11 July 2022