Royal Albatross ~ LGL Comes Back & Waits Almost 6 Hours For TF ♥ A Bittersweet Moment! 💕 9.23.24

TF fledged early in the morning so when LGL returned at noon to feed her chick, she was unaware that he was gone! What a shame that LGL missed seeing TF by mere hours! Sweet Mum LGL looked all over the area where TF had spent the last two months to look for him. Then she went to her natal nest and looked off toward Richdale Observatory and all around for TF but the area was empty of the chicks. TFT had fledged a few days earlier. LGL loses a feather and she reaches down with her bill to touch it but leaves it - her parting gift - leaving a small piece of her.
LGL sniffs the nest area to determine if TF's scent was still there. She rested in this area for over an hour and got up and went back to the area that TF had been spending more time. She may have been able to pick up his scent there so she waited and waited. A Mother's love and dedication to her chick is very strong! She came back to feed TF and so she waits for him. Maybe LGL thought TF was on a walk about and would be back wheeing loudly. You can't help but feel some sadness for her waiting like this. She does not know where TFT is...and she does not know he is not coming back.
LGL finally fell asleep in the grass near to where TF stayed. When she got up to finally leave almost 6 hours later, she took one last look around her for TF and with head slightly bowed, she walked off and down the hill probably to look for him some more.
I think that LGL knows that her work has has been accomplished and it is time for her to fly back to South America to renew and rest. LGK does not know that TF has fledged so he will probably return looking for him as well.
It is always a sad time to see a parent come in and not see their chick that they have been caring for 7.5 months suddenly not here! The parents will head across the Pacific Ocean to feed in the waters around South America now. LGK & LGL will live separate lives until they once again return to breed in October 2025 for the 2025/2026 season.
Farewell sweet LGL - you have done an excellent job ♥ Godspeed and stay safe. Thank you for watching!
Video captured & edited by Lady Hawk
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Courtesy of Dept of Conservation Royal Cam, Royal Albatross Taiaroa Head, New Zealand
Cam Link: www.allaboutbi...
DOC official website: www.doc.govt.n...
Royal Albatross Centre website: albatross.org.nz/
#TAIAROA HEAD #royalcam #albatross #NorthernRoyalAlbatross

[@Jomama02]

This part of it all is heartbreaking for me. I know the Albatross don't have human feelings, but a mother's and fathers love crosses all boundaries on species. It is what it is. Thank you Lady Hawk for another season of these magnificent birds of the sea!

[@ladyhawk]

Hello Jomama so nice to see you again! I agree, I do think that they feel a loss at not seeing their chick that they have raised for 8 months and in their own way, have to process it so instinctively they can finish the season successfully. Once they see the empty nest and surrounding area - they can say goodbye & once again take to the skies and sea as the mighty albatross that they are! ♥ Thank you for watching the season again!!!! YRK is back - she was the FIRST returnee this season already - I hope with all my heart she finds a mate this year!! Miss OGK so much!!

[@Jomama02]

@ladyhawk I may not comment much anymore with taking care of my husband, but it's still my happy, peaceful place.

[@kathleenmccaffery1313]

​@ladyhawk Certainly do have the most magnificent memories of OGK from this gorgeous New Zealand colony😢❤ What a dedicated mom and mate YRK is!😊 Will be watching closely with your helpful information Lady Hawk! 😂Sending love and appreciation❤

[@Joanna_W.]

Dobiegł końca kolejny sezon z młodymi albatrosami. Rodzice spisali się znakomicie, fajnie było obserwować dwa maluszki i interakcje między gniazdami. Bądźcie bezpieczne TF i TFT, niech wasze piękne,ogromne skrzydła niosą was do celu i niech wam nie zabraknie pysznych kałamarnic ❤❤

[@trax2011]

These moments when the parents discover their babies are gone are so bittersweet. I also wish LGL and LGK had seen each other before LGL left.

[@ninettaflores7515]

@@trax2011 They will see each other again Their union is a lifeline union, like seagulls and eagles. They will back to the island and seek one another when that time comes

[@fabiennef8859]

Congratulations for LGL & LGK for their job, and BOK & WYL too ❤ Au revoir mes chéris 😓 Thank u LH for your vidéos, updates, photos 👍

[@schwarzerose1573]

Wunderschönes und gleichzeitig bewegendes Video🫶 alle Mütter wissen wie es ist wenn die Kinder flügge werden und so fühlt sich auch LGL alles Gute weiterhin auf deinem Weg und du wirst TF eines Tages wieder treffen.❤️🍀 Lady Hawk vielen Dank für alles💐

[@Joanna_W.]

Dzień dobry Schwarze Rose, pozdrawiam serdecznie 🍁🍂

[@schwarzerose1573]

@@Joanna_W.Hallo Joanna für dich zu lesen😍 wünsch dir auch noch einen schönen Tag🌞🥰

[@carolgreene8757]

So sad to watch.. I can never watch these videos in one sitting, I have to watch in small chunks through the tears... What a precious mum she is.. ❤❤

[@marysmith9361]

I'm on the verge of bitter tears. This is such a sad time for the parents and us!

[@hellok7877]

[@QueenCeleste2]

Oh, this has thoroughly done me in. Hats off to LGL and LGK for raising their beautiful, strong boy. Prayers for this dear family and all the fledging chicks and parents. Thank you so much, Lady Hawk, for helping us see this magnificent world of the albatross.

[@MaxHunen]

Sad for all parents when they returned, but offsprings had departed..😢 LGL is one of the best parent I've seen,she had been feeding TF regularly without fail🎉 Applaud to LGL,you had done a good job with LGK,time for a well deserved rest! TF will be having an enjoyable journey. We miss him too.. Mom's Love is one of the greatest ,be blessed all parents!! Thx Lady Hawk🎉

[@zakelwe]

Nice summary. Of course being a small colony it may well be that they meet up again in the future whilst returning to breed at the same time. So perhaps au revoir rather than goodbye 🙂

[@flappinwings7274]

🎵 Just wishin' and hopin' and thinkin' and prayin' 🎵 Mom and Dad did a great job with Babu. He is such a strong young man now. 💪 He will do well. 😃

[@LibraLady59]

My entire life since I was little, I always cry at goodbye, no matter the length of time they would be gone! Bittersweet as usual. 💜🙏💜🙏💜🙏💜

[@karenparker6644]

Beautiful and sweet LGL❤ "Momma knows"❤😢

[@Marlin-m1i]

I am glad she left the feather where it fell by TF's natal nest. Now when LGK comes in he will know LGL has been there and TF had fledged. Just a beautiful farewell for her precious TF! Thank you, LGL! You had a very successful season with your handsome TF! ❤️LGL❤See you next year! Happy tears, thank you, Lady Hawk - my heart hurts for her realization of his fledge. 🧡

[@trax2011]

LH, this is a beautiful description of some precious moments. So now we wait for LGK…

[@OldSheriff]

They are magnificent parents with incredible dedication to their chicks, i take comfort in knowing that their offspring will continue this throughout their lives as well.

[@marciaanderson9938]

How very poignant to wait as a mother on a cliff for a child that will not return. Hearing a soft guitar soundtrack for this tender moment: “Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)”. So long, TF. May your flight be everything you have waited for. You and your family have been a joy to watch.

[@judithc6577]

Oh dear. What a fantastic mom❤. I hope they see each other during flight. I will miss this family dearly😢

[@sergei7995]

She understood that her boy grew up. She hoped that she will be able to feed him last time. She is sad 😢 Thanks a million for your video!❤

[@ElizabethFranquiEsq]

Such devotion to their chicks is beautiful to behold. Thank you, Lady Hawk for all of your devotion to finding the best clips for us fans to watch everyday. It’s bittersweet to say farewell to these two boys after watching them grow. The next season is right around the corner. See you then,

[@hummingbird5414]

I'm wondering, if the parents can remember their own fledging and in a way "know", why the chicks are no longer there. 🤔 Thanks to all parents! They did a great job!!! ❤

[@dawnpowers6233]

Bittersweet very heart breaking ❤️🤗

[@marilynwilkins1684]

So sad and sweet. Such a long time to raise a chick. They've become a part of my daily routine. Will really miss them.

[@CaptSL]

OMG, am an emotional mess watching and reading this😢 .Sweet LGL, and LGK your work is done. 🤗. Wish them both good health and a safe journey. The family shot and the end , so adorable and beautiful.

[@Karammellou]

It is nature, but it is also heartbreaking that one day the chick is there and the next day is no where to be found. We all miss you already TF!❤

[@hellok7877]

I am getting a belly ache with sadness for the parents. 🕊🕊😭💔❤️

[@Greg414]

This is always bittersweet but Mom can now take her vacation and a well deserved one

[@PAWS0810-]

sad, but nature at its best! Fly on - love this channel!

[@andrzejkozie1676]

Do zobaczenia kochany albatrosku😘🥲

[@dskor3526]

It is the life of an albie parent, and all part of the cycle of nature. And yet, I’ve seen these videos for four years and cry every time. LGL, you have done wondrously well…as has your perfect partner LGK. May you have a safe journey to South America, and flourish there. You and LGK will be reunited in what will seem to be the blink of an eye to begin the cycle yet again. Thank you for this, Lady Hawk…love amd hugs to all.🤗

[@lb1460]

Nice post. Makes me want to cry too.

[@CaptSL]

So true. Also been watching for 4 years and this part is always so very emotional😢

[@dskor3526]

@@lb1460Of course, you need to keep in mind that if I’m not the world’s biggest mushhead, I certainly have the Northern Hemisphere title locked up. If someone even mentions the word “onion,” I’ll go to pieces!🤪 Seriously, I know what you mean…I get so caught up in these magnificent birds, watching the chicks grow and learn, and the tireless efforts of their amazing parents. Truly inspiring. All the very best to you!🤗

[@Janet-ql4bh]

so hard to watch. if only the parents could have been there to see tf fledge. look forward to next season.😢

[@debs987]

😢

[@juliechaston]

LGL: "Hmmm.... I think he might have fledged. Finally! He was a good kid though. I suppose I should wait here a while just to be sure...make it look good before I go back. In the meantime, I'll have some ME time." ❤️

[@nancyw.4348]

So heart wrenching! 😭❤️❤️

[@conniwright450]

😅watched live all the way through, so sad and yet it was like she already knew. Just didn't want to accept it. 😢

[@lilim9887]

Tyvm for sharing the video Lady Hawk and for all the updates through the season! I also saw the beautiful LGL on live cam yesterday walking around and waiting for hours for TF.😢💔 I was hoping that LGK would show up; so they would share the bittersweet moments together. Safe travels to both of them, as well as BOK, WYL, their chicks, and all the Royal Albatross colony. May God bless and potect them. 🙏🏼🙌🏻 ❤

[@sandrameredith6372]

😢 I appreciate it's the life cycle and they are such great parents but it's still sad.

[@lilim9887]

I agree! 😢

[@beverleythompson-gk1pi]

These dedicated parents can have a break and hopefully 2025 will be just as successful as this year has been. Love em. So much joy and confirmation of our Creators wonderful design.

[@skytitan79]

😢 I think it affects us humans more than them but we will never know ❤

[@hellok7877]

Oh my word 😭😭😭😭💔💔💔💔

[@vilmadiolindadacosta9304]

😥❤

[@leezirkle7840]

I have so much to say but most of it has been said. This is the first year I have been watching a number of bird families. Had no idea when I started it was going to break my heart. Do they sell pictures of them? That family shot at the end is something I would love to have to remember them by.

[@zakelwe]

Lovely sunset there this evening after the strong winds. I would imagine a fair proportion of the remaining chicks departed today, so lots of parents will return to empty nests. A new dawn tomorrow for the next cycle, long may it continue on the headland.

[@schen5425]

🦜 It's moments like this where it pulls my heartstrings. To have to go thru this twice is 😢

[@katydid1014]

LGL actually waits almost 6 hours for TF before she heads off across the Pacific. Maybe they'll cross paths in mid air! The family portrait at the end is so precious. Now awaiting LGK's return and final departure, and then the season will truly be over for me. Bittersweet for sure but happy for another successful season. Lady Hawk, as always your coverage of these beautiful birds is the best. Thank you for everything!

[@donnagelina8548]

Yes she accomplished her calling and did a magnificent job! I hope she feels fulfillment in that, even though I'm sure she will miss TFT. She has more chapters, in her life, to come! 💞

[@CenturianEagle]

I was just thinking a similar thing, I bet she did feel that sense of accomplishment once she eventually did depart for the sea!

[@melissamcclain34]

I watched LGL live until she finally decided to leave as the last light of the day was fading. It was very emotional watching her walk to all the different spots TF had previously been smell the area as she went and when she went to the original nest site and left her feather 🪶 behind i actually broke down and cried 😢 As the mother of a 22 year old son whom i raised alone, watching LGL hit home because I'm learning to deal with my son leaving home and feeling as though I don't have a purpose in life anymore. Safe Travels TF and Prayers that LGL will have more albie chicks in the future ❤❤❤

[@zakelwe]

Job well done for the watcher and the watched. PS Don't be sad, hopefully you will be having to look after small grandchildren at some stage ! Mums are invaluable for that, as a man who left home similar to your son can attest

[@CenturianEagle]

Awww that is sad 😔 but she did her job well and that’s what all the feedings were for, I used to wonder if they knew their chick “flew away” or if they worried something happened, etc, but them seeing all the other chicks gone, and seeing as they know that they are flying birds, they must know that their chick has flown and that they have done a successful job, i bet she felt a sense of accomplishment once she eventually took off. Thank you for sharing Lady Hawk!

[@hellok7877]

Its very harsh actually that nature designed the chicks to just fledge all on their own. I can imagine the chick is pulled and feels the urge to go but at the same time wants to wait for a feed . They have to be extremely brave to launch and never see the parents again. 😢 ❤😢

[@joycepahimulin3235]

Thank you Lady Hawk for this lovely video of LGL coming home to feed TF. I wish LGL had come home earlier and would have fed TF and saw him fledged. Better yet if LGK came home too and so a reunion before TF fledged like wishing their son Good luck on his journey and giving him pieces of advice!😂❤ My wishful thinking! Makes me emotional that mom LGL has been waiting patiently for her chick and checking TF’s scent. Good luck TF! May you have lots of squids, fish and other seafood on your journey. Be safe out there. See you in 4-8 years. This auntie from California will be waiting for you!❤

[@law8263]

😢❤❤

[@jims6450]

OMG that face-plant landing was hilarious! 🤣🤣🤣

[@SilvanaSouza-wy5rv]

💕💕 How bittersweet!! It's deeply touching to see Mama LGL looking and waiting for her precious TF and he's no longer there!! 😥😥 O lovely Mama LGL, your mission is successfully accomplished!! Now it's time for your well-deserved rest!! 💕🌊🦢💕 Oh yeah!! You would be proud if you had seen how your sweet TF chick successfully fledged!! 💕💕 I love you so much Mama LGL.💘 I'm so proud of you!! Thanks to you and LGK your little chick has become a Magnificent Albatross. May God abundantly bless Mama LGL and Daddy LGL and TF. and protect them wherever they are. 🙏💞🙏 Safe travels Mama LGL!! 🙏🦢🙏 Thank you so much for this precious lovely video, dear Lady Hawk. 💙💙 Love, blessings and hugs to you, my friend. 💐💙🫂🥰🥰💕🌊🦢⛵💕🙏

[@hopesmith3741]

I wonder if this parent bird would recognize her fledged chick out at sea?

[@melissamcclain34]

I always find it so amazing how these birds recognize their mates from all the many other albatross and how they know their chick from the others who beg for a feeding when they come in from sea

[@theck672]

Aaaw… sweet Mama … touching and poignant… wishes for safety, plenty of food, and somehow, someway chick and parents reunite sometime…even though I know it doesn’t really happen that way… 🖤🤍🖤🤍

[@silvikoitla7550]

Oled armas...lemmik !

[@cherylscholz5621]

Love rhe family portrait! They are empty nesters now

[@juliavalras]

Це найкраща любляча мама 😊

[@EmiW7140]

😢😭 💔 My heart breaks when I watch these scenes 🙏😢 LGL visibly is confused and has a problem getting to the terms with it 😢 🦢 Her sacrifice and dedication for so many long months for coming back to feed TF again and again suddenly is over, duty fulfilled 😔 🌿🕊️ Now she is free again but something stops her to be a loner Albatross again 🤗 🦢 🙏🤍 Beautiful though very moving video and emotional narrative dear Lady Hawk 🤗💕🧸❤ Thank you so much my dear friend 💐🍓💗🍫🐝 🍀

[@irrobat8010]

So that was Peeper's Mom? I watched the close-ups of the concern in her eyes. I felt her pain 😢

[@ninettaflores7515]

So they do not return to this island ????

[@Sandra-rx6xb]

It's always a bit sad at the end of a nesting season...but that of the albatrosses is truly heartbreaking: the separation is clear and decisive and not gradual until the inevitable final farewell. Surely, these splendid animals do not have "human" feelings, but they certainly have their deep and strong sensations and emotions: the sudden absence certainly makes them confused and uncertain about how to proceed, because that nest and that chick have been the vibrant center of their world for so many months...With my thoughts and my heart, I accompany the chicks in their flight but I am also close to the small big heart of these devoted and tireless parents...instinct will then prevail, and they too will leave for a well-deserved break until next year: they and we ready for a new miraculous cycle of life. Many thanks Lady Hawk for this beautiful/sad video!!

[@shirleyautio1826]

Where do the parents go now?

[@catherinebreitfeller669]

I wonder that too. They won’t have another check until 2026 !!!

[@rosalindy5674]

Ah, such a time for this dedicated, beautiful and experienced mama albatross! Thank you, dear Lady Hawk, for saving these moments with LGL for us to view again (and again, for me). Dear LGL and LGK have done such a wonderful service to their species and loved, nurtured their darling chick so well this season. Even with experience of raising their earlier chicks, it is still quite an involved, heart-touching process these parents must go through when "letting go" of each chick they have brought into the world and prepared to be strong and independent juveniles for their next years. I know that I'll watch this one again, as I love LGL and her motherly ways. May she have an excellent and safe off-season, to return the season-after-next to meet her mate LGK and begin their dance of life again together. May LGK be safe and return to his love at that time. We will soon be on to the next season ourselves, aunties/uncles and all the DOC rangers, RAC staff, cam operators ~ Thank you again for making it possible for us to see so much again for another very special season, dear Lady Hawk! ✨✨💖💖✨✨

[@blakeroberts4140]

Sad indeed but us humans shouldn't project too much on to the birds. I can't help but wonder if parent and chick's paths crossed what would they do? Unlike so many other bird species the albatrosses are effectively lost to their LH fans.

[@catherinebreitfeller669]

Oh my - you would think nature would give them the insight that their chick had departed on their own life journey. Don’t have to be a parent for 2 yrs 😂😂

[@marysaltlife1427]

So sad that she'll have to realize he is fledged. Reminds me of my mother's sadness when each of her 5 children turned 18 and left to begin our lives. Unlike this momma, mine got to continue to see her children. Sad for this beautiful bird.

[@ladyhawk]

Hello Mary that is a very poignant comparison to make ♥ I know that LGL knows in her heart that her chick has fledged - she waited around just to be sure! Bless her heart!

[@cf5053]

Awe man, her baby never came back, so sad. Did she want to feed it?

[@ladyhawk]

Hello cf yes she came back for the sole purpose of feeding her chick. She did not want to leave until she did that ♥

[@theck672]

Does anyone know the nautical miles from NZ to where the Albies travel in South America? Thank you 🙏

[@theck672]

Why do they leave NZ ? Isn’t the climate and weather there nice/ moderate year round? Thank you 🙏

[@theck672]

Do the Rangers stay there year round?

[@ladyhawk]

Hello theck it is 6,170 miles from Auckland NZ to the middle of Chile (since they will fly into the coastal waters around South America it is a little less) that is one heck of a migration for the chicks and parents!

[@ladyhawk]

They leave because the fishing is superior along the coast of South America.

[@ladyhawk]

Yes they stay year round! After the last chick fledges, they begin work with the new albatross returnees and their eggs which will get laid in November. They have a very active time after eggs are laid so they can ensure each one is viable and does not get abandoned.

[@MomofaNosyManx]

I hope no one saw that landing 😂 I hate when the parents come back after their kids have fledged 😢 they have feelings and you can see the sadness in their face 😢

[@Nook747]

Look forward to their return...God speed LGL....Stay safe in the open seas

[@hellok7877]

I watched this on live cam and it was sad indeed, at first🙏🙏 I thought it was TF sitting there, she sat and waited and waited Bless her.

[@JanieBouchard]

😢

[@sharondrury5676]

That is exactly what I was going to say❣️😔

[@DoloresHeron-rs6dx]

Me too.....🫂​@@sharondrury5676

[@Nook747]

Will the camera be shut down, now that all the chicks have departed ?Lady Hawk ? Thank you for this video.