A Bird (Almost) in the Hand

I'm not going to lie - I cheated with the Otago Penninsular albatross.

I mean, what were the chances of me actually seeing one this close when I was too lazy to walk up the hill that overlooks the albatross colony? Besides, it's not peak albatross season.

So I went Otago Museum instead and caught this fellow flying from the rafters. He seemed a much more likely bet for me. ...a ready solution for a girl in a hurry. www.otagomuseum.govt.nz

Big Bird

Dunedin Airport. August 2008. Ajr

This royal albatross was an unexpected surprise inside the Dunedin Airport terminal. Suspended above the stairwell it serves as a pretty reminder that Dunedin's Taiaroa Head on Otago Peninsula, is home to the only mainland colony of royal albatross in the world. You can find out more about these spectacular birds by visiting The Royal Albatross Centre - or its website: www.albatross.org.nz