Laysan Albatross (Moli)

A Laysan Albatross (called a Moli in the Hawaiian languange) taking flight from the albatross colony on Kauai, Hawaii. Watch this bird launch off the cliff into the rising air off the Pacific Ocean.

Birds, especially albatrosses, are masters at using energy in the atmosphere to maintain flight. Wind rising up and over a building, cliff, mountain, line of trees or other object creates orographic lift that birds can utilize to get lift and maintain flight indefinitely.

These pelagic birds range widely over the North and Central Pacific, returning to land to nest and raise young.

Albatrosses are skilled at dynamic soaring, using the wind currents near the ocean surface to soar effortlessly over long distances with only an occassional need to flap their wings.

Their long narrow pointed high aspect ration wings, spanning 80 inches, are highly adaped for dynamic flight. When close to the ocean surface, they utilize ground effect to reduce drag up to 50%.

On the ground, they seem clumsy. For this reason, sailors called them "gooney birds." Once airborne they are masters of the wind.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• Bird
• birding
• albatross
• Laysan albatross
• bird watching
• soaring

[sxadhi]

They are remarkable. I wish I knew more about them!