Big breeding season predicted for peninsula’s high flyers

DUNEDIN’S albatross colony could be heading towards its biggest breeding season as Taiaroa Head’s airborne giants make their yearly entrance.

Bells will ring out across the city’s churches, schools and public buildings today to welcome the arrival of the first birds back to the Royal Albatross Centre.

On Sunday, an 11yearold female albatross was the first to land this season.

Otago Peninsula Trust marketing manager Sophie Barker said the centre could have its largest chick numbers this season — more than 40.

This was partly because of a devastating previous season in which the heat meant only 13 chicks made it to fledge from more 33 eggs.

Parents who failed to raise chicks last year would likely return and try again, Ms Barker said.

The previous fledged.

Overcast skies and cooler temperatures were better for albatross health, she said.

The first albatross to return,

season

23 known as ‘‘Lime Black White’’ because of the colour of her tag, was yet to breed, Ms Barker said.

‘‘She’s keen, too, obviously because she’s first back. We’re hoping she can find love.’’

The parents of Moana, the first royalcam chick from 2016, were expected to return again this year after a failed breeding attempt last season.

Department of Conservation ranger Mike Hitchcock said there was always anticipation to see who was the first to return and who returned to breed.

‘‘Most exciting is finding out who returns for the first time since fledging many years prior.’’

Centre manager Hoani Langsbury said viewing could be fascinating at this time of year as albatrosses renewed their pair bonds with grooming and flying displays while also choosing a place to nest.