First Short-tailed Albatross Chick to Hatch Outside Japan The chick hatched during a major storm but the parent did an excellent job protecting it from the inclement weather.
Establishing a new nesting colony is one of several important steps needed to continue the rare bird�s recovery because volcanic activity regularly threatens the short-tailed albatross� main nesting grounds on Torishima Island. The species� recovery also depends on reducing the threats of contaminants, especially oil contamination at sea and plastic ingestion; reducing bycatch of these seabirds from commercial fisheries; and addressing invasive species and other competitive species at nesting colonies.
Two FWS biologists took pictures at a distance to avoid any disturbance to the adult. This was accomplished behind cover with relatively large zoom lenses. The area is closed to other Midway staff, volunteers and visitors.
You are free to use these images as you wish - no permission is necessary with the following photo credit: Dan Clark/USFWS