Waterbirds: Fliers

Albatrosses, Petrels, Shearwaters, Storm Petrels, Jaegers, Skuas

Sibley recognizes 20 species of albatross, petrel and shearwater. These long-winged seabirds only come to land when nesting. They all have tubular nostrils and have the physiological challenge of regulating their body’s sodium levels while living in a salty environment.

There are 5 species of Jaegers and Skuas, a group closely related to gulls. They only come to land when nesting, and during that period will predate on small birds and mammals. At sea, they mostly obtain their food by piracy, forcing other seabirds to relinquish fish they have captured.

I will need a strong mix of sea-sickness medications before attempting to obtain a photograph of these birds!