Royal Albatross Hatchling Gets A Weight Check From Rangers In New Zealand | DOC | Cornell Lab

It's time to check the weight of the Northern Royal Albatross hatchling at the Top Flat nest!
Watch Ranger Sharyn from the New Zealand Department of Conservation stop by to gently inspect the hatchling, weigh it with a bag and scale, and spray the nest with a bird-safe insecticide that will help keep parasitic flies away from the chick.
At the end, Ranger Sharyn gives an update that the chick is close to recovering its hatch weight of 300 grams. It is normal for hatchings to lose some weight after returning to the nest. They should recover quickly and begin to grow as the adults begin feeding sessions.
RoyalCam was set up in January 2016 by the Department of Conservation and the Cornell Lab has been collaborating with DOC since 2019 to bring the cam to life. To learn more while watching, view the cam at
www.doc.govt.n...
or at
www.allaboutbi...
*******************************
Royal Cam is a 24-hour live stream of a Northern Royal Albatross nest during the breeding season at Pukekura/Taiaroa Head on the southeast tip of New Zealand's South Island.
This season (2023-24) features two nests in view. At the main site to the left of the frame, male LGK (named for his colored leg band combination: Lime/Green/Black) and female LGL (Lime/Green/Lime) return to the Top Flat nest site, where they are caring for a single egg laid on November 7.
Nearby to the right, male WYL (White/Yellow/Lime) and female BOK (Blue/Orange/Black) have been tending to their egg since it was laid on November 14 at the Top Track Flat site. This site is currently obscured by tall grass, which will die down and open up the view as the season progresses.
/ royalbatrosscam
to get all the updates during what’s sure to be another action-packed season on New Zealand’s South Island.
#birdcams #live #albatross #birds #wildlife #nature #nowplaying #newzealand #endangeredspecies

[@citizen..X]

Albatross: 'Yeah, so once a week the babysitter comes round and does a bit of dusting and cleaning while she's here..'

[@paulinewhite3273]

@@citizen..X so funny

[@mikepeers]

@@citizen..X the pillow mist was a nice touch.

[@ntl9974]

Maid

[@nelsoncabrera6464]

While reading this I had a mental image of the albatross holding a cellphone between her shoulder and ear while changing the baby's diaper.

[@alanduncan1980]

And she never brings any food over with her.

[@mikrokupu]

This like a community nurse coming to your home to check out your baby :)

[@hansweichselbaum2534]

Total trust of a wild bird. This lady is privileged.

[@hansweichselbaum2534]

@4th_Lensman_of_the_apocalypse I didn't comment on the size of the two.

[@squidikka]

@4th_Lensman_of_the_apocalypse When you try to come off as smart but demonstrate the exact opposite instead. Well done poppet.

[@hannahyamauchi839]

Seeing the amount of trust built between Ranger Sharyn and the albatross is making me emotional...

[@WalterEKurtz-kp2jf]

Really?

[@JibberJabJones]

@@WalterEKurtz-kp2jf tell me you have psychopathic traits without telling me you have psychopathic traits.

[@WalterEKurtz-kp2jf]

@@JibberJabJones Lol, break down my "psychopathic" traits then

[@ptnickb]

Ranger Sharyn and her team continue to do their devout specialized work again this season. I watched them with Lilibet and Manaaki too. LGL mom vocalized at that end as what appears was a gratitude gesture. The albatross amaze me with their trust, gentle nature and Mighy presence . What a beautiful beginning to this season. 💝🙏

[@gormok9558]

it is amazing how much trust and respect the wild bird have for the staff to let them handle their young with no complains and even greet her in the beginning !Love animals❤

[@dariensisko0]

For its size, that's a surprisingly calm and friendly seagull. ;)

[@zainmudassir2964]

Beautiful creatures. Thank you for taking care and making sure they're healthy

[@dorodense]

I thought the lady could have treated this sweet, patient and cooperative mamma with some fish!

[@SophiaXiaoyuAralaCran]

No lie there, I admit it was rather impressive that this momma bird was rather patient with seeing a person get this close, let alone touch her chicks, and even moreso for this long without showing any signs of distrust. Perhaps the old scientest here is well known to this birdie and is trusted? Which is a good thing tbh. Here's wondering if this happened often enough where the birdie is used to certain guests, or just plain smart?

[@TheEsquireOfSportsFSU]

That look at the end when the Ranger got up and left lmao

[@shriradhakrishnakripa]

An Example of Astounding mutual trust !

[@QIKUGAMES-QIKU]

This is where new born babies come from for them to later deliver to the Doorstep

[@druidofthefang]

What was the ranger spraying before putting the baby bird back? It was bird-safe insecticide to keep some parasitic flies away. I read it from the description after asking. Good video

[@АЛАДУШКА-е5у]

Удивительно, как спокойно реагирует птица.

[@Jellyfish146]

I have questions! Is this a volunteer position? How long has this person been doing this? What did they spray on the nest? How often are the chicks weighed and do they come back year after year? How does one build trust with an albatross? This is a fascinating video!

[@roshana.s1573]

Damn thats huge. Now I know how the mariner must have felt

[@JojobaNutOil]

the parent letting her weigh the chick so willingly omg

[@handler167]

amazing!

[@christineraffa-diggon]

Look at that Beautiful Bird! ❤❤❤

[@SEObirder]

Would love this job.

[@lourainpennington9270]

I never appreciated how large these birds are, until I saw this video.

[@duudsuufd]

Disappointed. I thought that the big bird was the hatchling!

[@AdenaKaiba]

@@lourainpennington9270 My thoughts exactly !

[@xl000]

it's like a goose, with a shorter neck, and really long wings

[@peterchenbutterbrot278]

Relatable,but that did you see the beak on that „hatchling“?!

[@nadiamarieusa]

@@duudsuufd It's their wingspan that makes them the largest flying bird. Birds are not meant to be heavy dinosaur since they need to fly. Still really impressive.

[@wolfjedisamuel]

Albatross at the end is like _"Thanks Doc, see you next week."_

[@SatanenPerkele]

Albatross "you can take my child, but you can't touch the grass!"

[@HighFlyingOwlOfMinerva]

Didn't expect a furry artist of all people to have a top comment, heh.

[@o0sunsi0o]

Exactly, mom is so with the program, it was interesting to watch how she was so compliant.

[@6DunJuan9]

Lol, Thanks "DOC"..Department Of Conservation, NZ

[@avahsieh4645]

I love how gentle the lady is towards the magnificent bird, and the way the bird is so trusting towards her.

[@meowabones416]

Yeah it was amazing! It was just a routine checkup and it's like the parent completely understood it!

[@bodinian]

@@avahsieh4645 yes, I was surprised the bird didn't start biting her. Most animals are protective over their young.

[@cagal1066]

@@bodinian most of these birds have been through this before. Heck they might have been weighed as chicks themselves.

[@thomask5434]

Do they know each other, did the doc hatch this bird? They are not that friendly towards people taking their young ones, you know?

[@julialungan4722]

​@@thomask5434 yes, they come once a week to check the chicks health (birds hide it very well and weight loss is the first sign). Also the parrent would only allow this because they are present the entire time and are able to watch if the handler is taking care of the baby well enough for their liking.

[@emazey5044]

Parent knows the drill, patiently waits for baby to be returned. 😍

[@electronblue8334]

Yeah, the parents are old pros but you can hear the little one being very vocal in their protest 😀

[@teridelnero9606]

They shouldn't have to

[@Tina-qp7py]

@@emazey5044 My first thought too. She must really trust this human.

[@triple466]

@@teridelnero9606wat

[@katherinemitchell3142]

​@@teridelnero9606 I'm glad these bird doctors have been helping these endangered birds not go extinct, I guess some commenters would rather see them wiped out for good

[@Dragoon803]

The amount of trust the mother has with the ranger is wild. She shows no signs of distress or worry over the ranger handling her chick. Very interesting to see that relationship dynamic. Also the beak clapping when she shows up and leaves was cute.

[@AnneIglesias]

I can almost imagine the mama has known her all her life, maybe even recognizing that this “ritual” was done to her as a baby chick and understands it’s for their well-being. ❤

[@Undomaranel]

@@AnneIglesias Animals understand more than we think they do, but don't be silly and say that this bird understands the science behind weigh ins, vaccinations, the spray, etc.

[@sagaronline265]

@@Undomaranel so y she is trusting woman ,what bird understands than?

[@User-hq6rr]

This is probably male bird

[@kingmuto4536]

@@Undomaranel Albatross: "Ah yes the Ritual of the Gods"

[@junkerpain251]

I'm always impressed by the sizes of Albatross. She must have known this bird since it was a chick, to have that much trust

[@ianking.5721]

Probably did the same thing to the mother that’s why she is so chill

[@junkerpain251]

@@ianking.5721 lol they act like big chickens

[@currincook6422]

@@junkerpain251 No better way of explaining it lol

[@macaronsncheese9835]

It's possible she didn't, because Albatross can live into their 50s with the oldest known being /at least/ 70 and still going strong. Mama bird might not be much younger than the scientist.

[@Bunny11344]

I love that bird she so cute

[@The_Catnip]

Aw, the birdy greets the lady and than says goodbye, and she was so patient, so cute!

[@danizweifler6061]

"the birdy greets the lady"... ?............. = hmmm..........; = what makes you believe that ?

[@Irobert1115HD]

@@danizweifler6061 it stays calm and quietly interacts with the ranger suggesting that he or she knows that the chick will be back very soon. birds arent that dumb.

[@The_Catnip]

@@danizweifler6061 Birds greet each other and she does it when the lady arrives and leaves, not in-between, so there is no way she is pissed or something. You can look it up.

[@onazram1]

@@danizweifler6061 It's called the "Walt Disney Effect"

[@anweshakar146]

​@@The_CatnipYeah, my birds do the same thing with me!! 😍

[@Jackson-pu7gd]

Wow that is amazing how trusting the parent is. It clearly knows that the ranger is not a threat and perhaps even understands the ranger is helping. Beautiful.

[@rob-robi]

Yes i get the feeling that the bird knows the lady well for quite a while. Beautiful bird

[@Blackadder75]

the bird is old and they meet every year if there is a chick

[@tomthebomb557]

These birds have no predators on the islands of new Zealand...that is why she is docile towards humans.

[@momentary_]

Yes. The same ranger visits this bird each time, so they have long gained its trust.

[@jakeleggett5867]

@@tomthebomb557I was so confused at first but yh that makes sense

[@Rocky_Intertidal]

Can you imagine a 50ft albatross pecking at your front door and asking; “excuse me but I need to remove your infant from its crib, take it outside and do a brief examination and weight measurement. Shouldn’t take more than a couple of minutes…”

[@paulrippcord506]

@@Rocky_Intertidal That’s an Albatross pediatrician.

[@Nilguiri]

I know I'm going to dream about that tonight!

[@Colstah]

Have to admit I hadn't thought about that. But should such a scenario present itself to me, and given the size of the albatross, I'd just say OK and patiently wait, hoping for the best.

[@Luther_Luvin_Brad]

Well you left an important bit of information out of your analogy: Humans aren’t critically endangered, so there is no reason for albatross to check in and make sure we and our babies are healthy. Albatross ARE critically endangered AND they only lay one egg, which means it is extremely important for each albatross to have a healthy and thriving child if they’re going to keep these small populations going.

[@OGYouTubeEnjoyer]

Perhaps one day when the Albatross evolve to be more intelligent then Humans and take over the world that could happen.

[@anastasiia9511]

The albatross is so calm and polite, not at all scared of the ranger, wow. It even said hello and goodbye to the human.

[@Blackadder75]

they are old friends, they have done this for years

[@Spearb0811]

the way she patiently waits until the lady puts the baby back is impressive☺️

[@FranckLarsen]

I don't think just any one can walk up to the albatros mama like that. That woman is special. This was so peaceful.

[@WMeier-kd8hz]

Yes you can

[@triple466]

The bird knows her

[@batarasiagian9635]

@@FranckLarsen Agreed.

[@batarasiagian9635]

Agreed

[@thebeav111]

They also have zero predators so don't have a fear instinct.

[@zurradra]

I like how it greets the researcher with hello and goodbyes. 😢❤

[@MemoryLaneCinema]

mindreader?

[@DragonitaPurple]

@@MemoryLaneCinema body language, the beak clacks she does at the beginning and end

[@MemoryLaneCinema]

@@DragonitaPurple lol

[@FireHam]

@@MemoryLaneCinema whats lol about it?

[@OscarStigen]

​@@MemoryLaneCinema It also asked about the weather forecast for the weekend

[@michaeldeierhoi4096]

It's a treat to see the gentle care by the naturalist and amazing to see how tolerant the parent is. This research helps protect the species.

[@muffulettasandwich8051]

In the beginning it’s a small bag, and after a while, they need a huge basket and two rangers to get a weight 😀

[@jamesmeyer1325]

That bird is as big as the lady ranger! The bird said goodbye when she left... very sweet to see the relationship with wild animals and kind people.

[@jwnomad]

Wait till you see the wingspan

[@rayromano6249]

@jamesmeyer1325 lmao 🤦‍♂️ jeez it's not. The albatross is closer to the camera so of course it's going to look bigger

[@RichardCox0]

@rayromano6249 I did some googles and numbers seem to be 9-11 foot wingspan 3-4 foot height though you’re right I suspect the bird is still huge

[@xaero76]

Birds will feel more Threatened when you walk close to them, or when you stand up next to them... so it gets defensive as she starts to stand up, it is not a welcoming chatter by any means.... it is a wild bird, and Some Birds do not even have much of a defense if you try and steal their eggs or young... some birds even have their young stolen by predators while they are still on the nest and do not really fight back....

[@chris-hayes]

It's still big though, being a Northern Royal Albatross it's "only" the #7 largest flying bird in the world. The #1 largest is the Snowy Albatross. I think the Snowy Albatross is the one that Planet Earth II films a bit of.

[@sct3339]

Wow. That mama has complete trust in you!! What a sweet sweet girl she is

[@aleeshacampbell129]

3:17 went from duck to 🍞

[@Confundus]

Cute. How come the mom is so calm about her baby being grabbed though?

[@tonitones6053]

Yes, how?!

[@JimNaylor]

It is odd, I can only think that she is used to it. They live to a great age, so perhaps it has happened so many times, she is used to it and understands the human is no threat.

[@mineapple6726]

@@JimNaylor Yes, also when it is the same ranger that also had contact with them when they were a baby, then they remember their face when the bird becomes an adult and they know that the ranger is not a threat.

[@sillavnitram]

Is it because they have no predators and therefore not frightened or feel threatened by people?

[@simonparfitt8]

@@sillavnitram bing go

[@lindajackson8647]

Such sweet patient birds!

[@Maywyn]

Isn't it magical how the parent quietly waits.

[@Akeakamai]

The way the Albatross waited patiently until the Ranger finished checking her chick is a sign of true intelligence. This was beautiful to watch.

[@matthewtopping2061]

Umm, I think it's more a sign of animal conditioning. True intelligence? Not so much.

[@Cold-Blooded-Jay]

@@matthewtopping2061 When babies are involved, it takes intelligence for conditioning to override protective instincts. You take for granted the understanding of human intentions, but an animal has to learn that to trust you, which is a much bigger deal than you may think.

[@madelaki]

​@@matthewtopping2061 Lmao. If only we could all be as smart as you and the people who upvoted you.

[@hajkie]

It could be species learning too. Basically the albatross grew up with the human and think they are the same species. Cats do this too. They think humans they grow up with is just bigger cats.

[@a-bird-lover]

@@hajkie that's called imprinting, and it's avoided at all costs by reputable wildlife rehabilitators. Imprinted wildlife don't learn how to survive in the wild or how to interact with other members of their species, so at best they just never will interact with their species, but more often they die of starvation or wander into human populated areas and are killed.

[@rediviva]

Love the care NZ DoC rangers provide! 💕 I continue to be astounded by how calm these big beautiful Albatross parents are as humans just casually take the little one (and have to assume the parents know it's all for good reason). Thanks to everyone at the DoC and the Royal Albatross Centre.

[@ziggyfrnds]

OH. MY. GOD. That was amazing! AND THE BIRD SAID GOODBYE. That scientist deserves all the respect. All of it

[@MomofaNosyManx]

This is so joyful to watch. I smiled the whole time. The parent just waited there patiently for Sharon to take care of business. Just a awesome experience to watch this ❤ Thank you everyone ❤

[@sonjaahlberg9176]

This brings me so much awe and joy! How privileged we are to be able to have a peak into these amazing birds’ lives.

[@ThomasWheelers]

For sure. How can we get this lucky. Such kind, patient and caring scientists. Ladies that dress for the elements and mom albatross says thank you.

[@grimjane3795]

C’est beau cette confiance mutuelle. Quel oiseau magnifique 😊

[@hiho8084]

Albatross are quite large! The parent is so patient! Seems to be a very calm bird. What an interesting interaction. At the end, the albatross says, "Same time next week then?" 😄

[@bkgarr6041]

These birds are so special. Beautiful, docile and sweet. The baby is adorable! 🥰🥰🥰

[@frenchtoastemergency]

this ranger has such a soothing presence! Look how calm the birds are.

[@Nook747]

Beautiful, just beautiful...Thank you for this special clip 🤗

[@dwhet7933]

Mama is so patient it really un elievable.

[@kathleenclark1866]

Thank you Ranger Sharon. Does that baby feel as soft as he looks? Such a beautiful baby!❤❤❤

[@Celisar1]

@@kathleenclark1866 „He“??

[@eq1949]

Thank you for sharing. So, wonderful to witness the chick, parents,.

[@jenniferbrookhart8581]

Absolutely love this! Mommy trusts her completely with her baby!

[@katerinakuznetsova4941]

потрясающее взаимодействие человека и дикой природы!))❤❤ спасибо за новости)

[@baddnurse5443]

I don’t know why , this brought tears to my eyes. Maybe it’s the trust between the bird and ranger , how slowly and carefully she checks the chick . Beautiful ❤

[@makeroomtogrow]

Thanks for stopping and talking to the camera! ❤❤❤ really appreciate the work you do. 😊

[@CrowSkeleton]

I wonder if the albatrosses have been under conservation long enough that they think that it's a normal part of growing up to be put in a bag and weighed, or if that's just the fatal lack of predator reaction they tend to have on remote islands turned to good use for once. I also wonder a bit if the albatrosses would like scritches, because most birds do...

[@EmiW7140]

Such a smooth cooperation between LGL and Sharyn🤗💙Super encouraging information after first check about chickI keep finger crossed for further good development🤞😍 Thank you Sharyn for update🤗

[@galaxy_mosaic3587]

they are so precious (the parent and the baby). the parent is so patient waiting for the staff to finish their examination. I would be worried either the parent or the baby would get nervous and fidgety. even the baby did not seem to mind the exam...

[@KTPurdy]

It's amazing how cooperative the mother is.

[@WillHal1000]

does she have a choice?

[@RazorStormInc]

@@WillHal1000 Yes, she does. Most mothers in the wild would NOT let you do this.

[@KTPurdy]

@@WillHal1000 most wild animals would attack.

[@Fernach]

For example: swan. They can broke adult human's arm when they feel threatened.

[@Blackadder75]

they do this routine every year (if there is an egg) they know each other

[@Praetor_Fenix420]

The most chill albatross ever!

[@Mycenaea]

Why did she pull up some of the grass and put it infront of the bird at the end?

[@whos_this_character3912]

Providing nesting material as a kind of compensation or a gift? Maybe?

[@weftwarp1537]

Whenever I watch these caretakers take the time to help our feathered friends and such, it makes my heart swell with ❤️ 😍

[@caccioman]

2:44 What did she spray?

[@NickCombs]

Bird-safe insecticide (video description)

[@paulbk7810]

100% amazing birds. Thank you for all the work you do.

[@TheBlargMarg]

For people that are too lazy to read the description, the spray she uses is a "bird-safe insecticide that will help keep parasitic flies away from the chick. " These birds are endangered, and the spray helps ensure the chicks survivability.

[@augervongaribaldi]

@@TheBlargMarg I did read but it didn’t answer my question which was why the bird is so friendly. Was the albatross fostered/imprinted?

[@ratdoto2148]

​@@augervongaribaldi Animals which live and/ or nest on islands often have a minor or non-existent predator response so it could just be that. Could also just be that they are conditioned to people because many of these conservation programs are quite old, so for some colonies every bird has seen humans their whole life.

[@augervongaribaldi]

@@ratdoto2148 was just curious because they aren’t like that in the states. Island theory makes sense.

[@AbiSaysThings]

I think you mean spray, I don't think a spay would help them survive 😭

[@TheBlargMarg]

@AbiSaysThings yeah that was a typo lol.

[@fistfullofsalt6311]

Albatross are such regal and beautiful birds.

[@careyclements5400]

The first of many weigh ins. Thanks for the commentary at the end of Sharyn. I wish we could have some more of that.

[@Flynn217something]

I'm absolutely floored by how relaxed the mother is with her chick being handled and with human presence in general.

[@XC797]

The Royal Albatross is an amazing bird .

[@catherinebreitfeller669]

they know the human is helping them ❤❤

[@cherylcobern4483]

What a good mama! That bird is huge!

[@boris8787]

And the landscape is beautiful. 💚💚💚💚💚

[@ValerieBailey-y9u]

It's close to the city of Dunedin in South Island, which, with its' harbour, lies in the eroded crater of an ancient extinct volcano.

[@JohnGardnerAlhadis]

That is one seriously gorgeous bird.

[@VitalityMassage]

That is amazing! I assume she knows this woman.

[@stephenwinter8892]

Does the bird understand what you are doing with her baby chick greetings from Canada

[@lgran79]

Wow! I never realized how big Albatrose are! 😊❤

[@piggugudu1327]

It’s so cute how calm and trusting the interaction is. The albatross looks so kind, I hope it and its baby are well😊❤️

[@PowerOfOne-u4h]

Beautiful huge bird, so gentle and trusting.

[@Jackson-pu7gd]

4:05 "wait your leaving? where's the KFC??"

[@SodaiGoku]

4:00 She even said "thank you" when you walked away

[@rklein]

This is what I should be doing with my life instead of staring at computers while being around humans. Can't even imagine how satisfying that career must be.

[@wannabetrucker7475]

That whole scene was so beautiful ❤❤❤, maybe a little chatter when she left.

[@HomeTS-jq8jc]

Why NOT give the poor bird a treat? Afterall, you are taking her baby!

[@VILLIDELATT]

Oh the ignominy of being shoved(gently) into a cold bag, must be ok mum allowed it😢 Sharon is sooo gentle

[@ishouldbesleeping1354]

Why do you pluck some grass and set it near the nest? Is it gift of sorts?

[@Jono_93]

Exactly that, an offering to add to the nest.

[@youtubeurevil]

Dutch Folkore says that Albatrosses are the reincarnated souls of sailors lost at sea

[@RetroJack]

That's so cool.

[@BeeWaifu]

That thing is enormous! Also, very bizarre that it just let's her reach into the nest and grab the chick like that.

[@Susan-e4n]

What a magnificent bird. So beautiful

[@terrylynnefinley2438]

Wow..that bird is bigger than my dog..Chorkie

[@gletamendi5439]

That woman has no fear getting the baby from a bird with a beak that big! Im sure they know eachother

[@annwilliams1073]

Couldn't hear a word she said...but I think all is well

[@Blue_Skies05]

She said the chick has lost some weight which is normal in the first day. It's gained a little bit from the first feed but not up to 300grams it was last time. She will do an update later.

[@annwilliams1073]

@@Blue_Skies05 thanks.

[@alext7268]

The mother remains remarkably calm. I admire Sharyn’s bravery when she brings her head, and eyes, within inches of that monstrous beak.

[@brb__bathroom]

it's strange how complacent that parent is about some different species handling the offspring. I mean, some cows can get hostile against farmers who have raised them, when they get between them and their calf's.

[@enedenedubedene4811]

Unglaublich, welches Vertrauen hier auf beiden Seiten vorhanden ist.😍😍😍😍👆👆😀😀 Viele Grüsse aus Germany

[@williamadams1645]

What a patient bird so calm .

[@ktjankabar]

I just love the albartross cams! So nice to watch their behavior.