Royal Albatrosses Party Into The New Year

Welcome to the hottest New Year’s party in New Zealand! Northern Royal Albatrosses gather around WYL and his egg at the Plateau nest site for a lively meet-and-greet. According to our partners at the New Zealand Department of Conservation, these social gatherings—often made up of younger birds and nonbreeders—are a regular part of colony life and sometimes spill into areas near active nests. They give young birds a chance to practice the complex displays and vocalizations of courtship, helping them learn how to impress future mates.

Watch the Northern Royal Albatross Cam this January as WYL and his mate BOK prepare for their egg to hatch at the end of the month.