Laysan Albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis) Sighting

Observation by Karen Johnson:

My brother, Moses Johnson, spotted a Laysan Albatross while out commercial salmon trolling out front of Sitka. We rarely ever see these birds and this is the first time he has seen one this time of year.

Comments from LEO Editors:

Although Layson Albatross can be found in the colder northern waters, feeding on fish, squid, crustaceans, and discharge from fishing boats, adult albatross typically return to nesting colonies in November. Laysan Albatross typically nest either on the Midway, Layson, or Hawaiian Islands. After mating, both birds leave the islands, with the femal returning first to lay the egg. However, young albatross usually under a year old, are not able to reproduce and typically do not return to the colonies. Source: Cornell Lab of Ornithology Layson Albatross Species Profile. Erica Lujan