22 October 2009
Unique photos made by Albatross-borne cameras
Posted by Cecilia under: Nature; Science .
Albatross are among the world’s largest flying birds. Their wingspread reaches an incredible 8 feet.
Scientists have always been interested in how albatrosses locate their prey and feed themselves. A recent study provides interesting insight into their daily life.
Akinori Takahashi from the University of Tokyo and Philip Trathan from the University of Cambridge attached mini cameras on the backs of four different albatrosses from the breeding colony at Bird Island, South Georgia. The cameras were programmed to take a photo every 30 seconds.
The results were fascinating. The more than 28,000 photos were almost exclusively views of the ocean. But unusual encounters are also documented. According to the photos the albatross liked to follow killer whales or other birds when seeking food.
Albatrosses are one of the most vulnerable groups of seabirds because of natural and anthropogenically-induced changes in the marine environment. In order to protect them it’s important to know as much about their life and behavior as possible.
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Today in Sikantis – October 22, 2009 « Sikantis Says:
22 October 2009 at 2:04 am.
[...] Special News – Unique photos made by Albatross-borne cameras [...]
