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Galapagos Waved Albatross Find Cheap Air Flights to the Galapagos Islands here In Galapagos, the arrival of the Islands' largest bird is more than just an arrival. It is in fact, about the start of many other natural events. For instance, the arrival of albatross birds tells us that the southeast trade winds are on their way, and thus the beginning of the dry season is just around the corner. This also means that the hot season is officially ending, and that the islands will turn arid in just about 2 more weeks or so. Thus, we conclude that Galapagos is a world of perpetual change. If there's one event that can be labeled impressive, attractive and even comical at times, it must be the courtship ritual of the waved albatross. Such courtship is more than just a mere reproductive prelude. Finding a mate on Espanola Island is no easy task, the terrain is quite irregular and there's plenty of dry brush from the previous hot season. Nevertheless, male waved albatrosses manage to arrive first, and patiently wait for females to arrive. Once together, courtship is an elaborate set of cues given by one individual and followed by the other potential mate. This orchestrated set of moves is then repeated, but in reverse by the former mate. A series of strange noises that may resemble geese and a set of horn-like sounds can be heard all over the Island. Part of the courtship even includes some bill fencing (very attractive yellow bills by the way), ending with a superb sky point and a sheer drop of the neck and head towards the back of the wing. Here, some preening of the primary feather of the wing takes place, and it is all back to where they started. The complete set can last as long as 45 minutes. The week-long Tours of Santa Cruz Ship and the luxury Isabela II Yacht include Espanola Island, which is where you can see the nesting colony of the Galapagos waved albatross. Also, the Friday to Monday tours on board the Santa Cruz Cruise Ship will make a regular stop at this unique location. Galapagos Recommended Reading:A Guide to the Birds of the Galapagos Islands It offers unprecedented comprehensive coverage. This field guide presents every species to have been recorded within the archipelago, including accidentals and vagrants. (A very informative book for those looking to know more about the birds in Galapagos). Galapagos: A Natural History Chasing a Dream in the Galapagos: A Personal Evolution
Robert Fitzroy from the HMS Beagle Plants of the Galapagos Islands Advertise Your Business with Us  Custom Search If you have questions about the Galapagos Waved Albatross, Please post them on our Galapagos FAQ Section and if you'd like to request more information about our recommended Galapagos Tour Packages to explore this Archipelago, You can Contact us here
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