GLG returned to the nest to take over incubation duties and allow RLK the opportunity to return to the sea to forage for food. They had a long visit which shows their commitment and dedication to one another and their egg. When GLG arrives and walks to the nest, RLK skycalls her and she responds in a beautiful duet of skycalls! ♫

Then GLG sits down & RLK starts to allopreen (groom) her in a very affectionate way! You can see the joy in her face and feel the love that they share ♥ They both spend time together until RLK is ready to get up for the changeover where GLG will immediately take over incubation duties. RLK was not ready to leave so he does a lot of gardening on both sides of the nest finally leaving about an hour later ♥ Stay safe RLK!

On Friday Dec 13th, the DOC is planning on putting a GPS tracker on GLG. They will also put a GPS tracker on RLK when he returns from his foraging trip. These trackers are similar to the ones that LGL, LGK and Tiaki had on in 2022. It will be exciting to see their travels! Thank you for watching!

Video captured & edited by Lady Hawk

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20242025 Season of Royal Albatross

Nest site: Signal Station Trig. Taiaroa Head, New Zealand

Royalcam Couple: RLK (Red, Lime, black) 12yearold male and GLG (Green, Lime Green) 14yearold female.

Egg laid: November 11th 2024. It has been candled and is fertile. RLK and GLG will take turns to incubate the egg for 2.5 months.

This pair started breeding in 2019/20, but their egg failed that season. They successfully raised two female chicks during 2021 and 2023 respectively. Their nests during these seasons were not far from the Royalcam nests of Tiaki and Manaaki and the chicks were seen on cam later in the season.
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Please join the official facebook group Royal Cam Albatross Group New Zealand for up to date information on the albatross family and to share information on albatross conservation, photos and comments!   / 991026361293354  

Courtesy of Dept of Conservation Royal Cam, Royal Albatross Taiaroa Head, New Zealand

Cam Link: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/cams/ro...