We’re experiencing a couple of very stormy days. I realize this might be not be much compared to the freezing weather that’s been crossing the US mainland, but it was enough to stop our count this afternoon.

The albatross were hunkered down, all facing into the wind, with their heads tucked into their bodies, weathering the storm.

However, we had been able to count this morning, and were delighted to complete two sectors despite the intermittent vicious rain and consistent intense winds. These were our only feasible sectors, given the conditions, as they’re both in the town area, well protected by surrounding buildings, and relatively open terrain with few trees.

Our concern is now for the albatross and particularly those nests in the forested areas, at risk from falling branches. We always set out in trepidation after this kind of storm event, wondering what devastation we might find in the woods once we’re able to resume our count.

As an example, on Christmas Eve our team discovered an albatross sitting on its nest, trapped by a recently fallen tree.

Miraculously, although evidently shaken by the experience, it didn’t appear to have a major injury. The mass of entangled branches and weight of the tree were impossible to move. However, once we had extracted the bird, we set about clearing the nest and were able to make an opening large enough for him/her to return to the egg. Here’s hoping…