Not a flying success just yet
AS some albatross chicks crash land this fledging season, Doc rangers are there to catch them.
It is the time of year when albatross chicks leave the roost and try to make it on their own.
Unfortunately for some, their ambition is greater than their skill.
Department of Conservation ranger Michael Hitchcock said earlier this week Doc was notified of albatross chick Gabrielle flailing in the water.
Unfavourable winds meant she could not take off again and was suffering from fatigue.
Aided by Port Otago’s harbour control he helped retrieve the bird from the water.
She had lost 1kg in weight as a result of the struggle, he said.
‘‘She’s now sitting on the headlands and will attempt another fledge when she is ready.’’
Doc intervened about once or twice a year to retrieve chicks in this way, he said.
‘‘We assess each situation individually. It depends on whether the chick can take off itself, whether it’s in shipping lanes etc.’’
In such situations a chick would get assistance from harbour control and various ship captains, he said.
‘‘Working with them, we can make sure boats don’t run over the fledgling. If required, we will retrieve the fledglings from the water and return to the headland to try again.
‘‘Some may take off from the water if the winds pick back up.’’