The Mighty Albatross

There is an albatross couple that have a nest about 100 yards away from our porch, within the trees on the golf course. We often look out the back windows and watch these graceful sea birds glide over and across the greens. Albatrosses are highly efficient in the air. Their massive wingspan allows them to cover great distances with little exertion. These birds spend 90% of their lives in the air, and can travel 150-200 miles without resting. Sadly, 19 of the 21 species of albatross are threatened with extinction. The island of Kauai is making great efforts to preserve these amazing birds.

Today, these two came to visit. They strolled along the grass path in front of our porch, stopping to check it out. We took these photos from our back door as they passed by. Albatrosses mate for life; this couple seemed to be very much in love, stopping to click their beaks together and following each other around. They were, quite literally, two love birds. Kauai is such a romantic island that even all the animals are in love here.