A flag saying “Happy Birthday” flies from the Dunedin City Council’s flagpole celebrating the hatching of the first albatross chick of the season.
The first chick of the 2016/17 season successfully hatched at the Royal Albatross Colony at Taiaroa Head on Sunday .
Thirty-three nests, 29 fertile, were scattered across the reserve this season.
Taiaroa Head manager of operations Hoani Langsbury said Dunedin’s recent “overcast and dull” weather was ideal for the albatross nest hatching since too much heat could have a negative impact.
“Summer heat during January and February can be a challenge for the nesting adults and young chicks, as overheating and fly strike can cause mortality,” Mr Langsbury said.
Department of Conservation rangers were working hard to make sure the hatchlings had the best chances of surviving, he said.
“Alongside Doc Rangers we’ve increased pressure on predators across the headland to try and mitigate the risk to young chicks”
Also hotly anticipated, the new Royalcam albatross chick was due to hatch about January 29.
“Fans have been avidly watching the Royalcam couple and waiting for the new chick to hatch,” Mr Langsbury said.
The Otago Peninsula Trust were looking at having 20 more different species showcased on camera in the upcoming year to help raise conservation awareness, he said.
