Trails of the Wandering Albatross Applying the mathematics of haphazard motion

Wandering Albatross (Diomedea exulans) Science Article 14

abstract

The wandering albatross flies extraordinary distances. Riding the wind on long, thin, rigidlyoutstretched wings, it skims the waves as it glides for hours over the ocean surface.Truly a world traveler, this seabird (Diomedea exulans) regularly circles the globe at southernlatitudes, plunging into the sea to scoop up squid and fish along the way. It sometimes followscruise ships and other vessels to pick up scraps thrown overboard. Its white plumage,white beak, black wing tips, and wingspan of 11 feet or more make it a dramatic sight in thesky.

IVARS PETERSON, science news(150)7, 104

Download article


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *