benackerley's Identifications

Seen flying with Chatham Albatross around the summit of The Pyramid Tarakoikoia. Light reflection makes the head colour seem very light in the first couple of images. I think the forehead is more grey than silver. The bill is quite robust. I think this is a Northern Buller's Albatross.

This bird was recorded on the same empty nest in the camp slope Chatham Albatross study area on The Pyramid Tarakoikoia from 2007-2010 and never had a mate. Would call and display to Chatham Albatross who would be interested initially but go no further. Banded with a metal band and yellow darvic band. There is debate whether this is a NZ White-capped Albatross Thalassarche cauta steadi or a Shy Albatross Thalassarche cauta cauta because of the yellow at the base of the bill where it meets the forehead.