Report on endangered species; The Wandering Albartross. general information about most aspects of its life, habits, etc. incudes arguments for and againsts its protection

Essay by LilMiSsGigGleSJunior High, 8th gradeA+, November 2004

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Petrels are some of the few birds to have mastered the dangerous Antarctic oceans. The biggest and perhaps most famous of all the petrels is the Wandering Albatross, a bird which may spend several months or even years travelling the oceans without ever coming to land. The great oceans around the Antarctic are rich in food supplies, which enables birds such as the Albatross to survive there even in the most freezing months. The upwelling currents that rise from the ocean deeps carry nutrients which feed the countless plankton that in turn support the food chain of crustaceans, which are eaten by dolphins, whales, seals and are sometimes eaten by the Albatross. Although the Albatross can eat crustaceans it isn't the exact food they should eat as it is not part of their staple diet and does not fill them up. The Albatross, along with many other birds have to face three of their own challenges every time they start to nest on an island.

First, the best feeding areas may be hundreds of kilometers away from land and the Albatross migrate to different islands from season to season. Second, the seas are stormy and frequently sea swept and cold. Third, there are few nesting places and they are all far apart from each other. Only two of the many groups of sea birds have mastered this wild and dangerous environment, penguins and petrels.

I previously mentioned that the Wandering Albatross can stay out at sea for years without coming to land, well what I didn't mention was that on land the Albatross is a pretty clumsy bird and may trip several times while walking. It will sometimes even vomit up its stomach oil in an effort to reduce its body weight before long journeys and take off. The...