Rock of Ages

Great Frigatebirds(Fregata minor) sailing above east end of Tern I.

Yesterday, I replaced a metal band from the right leg of a Laysan Albatross(Diomedea immutabilis) because it was worn down and corroded. After much study.., think of that guy looking to the light at the "hanging chad" in the Florida recount of the 2000 election.., we were able to decipher the following numbers: 1367-5202_.

The first four numbers are the prefix. The last number of the prefix tells the size band. Yes, a size 7 band. Actually Laysan Albatross and Black-footed Albatross (D. nigripes) take size 7B, now steel, metal bands.

The last five numbers of the reading is the suffix. There should be 5. There were 5. The last will have to be read after a procedure called chemical etching.

Nevertheless, we were lucky to discern 8 of the 9 numbers. Often you can't see anything. We were able to narrow it down to 10 individuals, actually 9. All of which weree banded as chicks on Tern I. on 15 June 1987.

Laysan Albatross
Yesterday, another band was replaced on a Laysan that was banded, as a chick, probably in 1983. Born before a couple of our technicians. It has a few less numbers that can be read. One unfortunately in the prefix.

We also have a Black-footed Albatross on island that could be 40 yrs or older. Our records on file only let us go so far on that one. There are a few files missing, but ultimately the folks up in Portland can figure it out.

Black-footed Albatross

Remember the bird I mentioned on Midway Island? If not, go back and check out the entry of 15 November entitled "How old do they get?".

When one looks at, or learns of, birds or any animal for that matter that are older than a teenage son, a high school teacher, anyone on the lineup of the New England Patriots or New York Giants; what is brought to our attention?

Looking into the eye (a bit sleepy in the picture to the right), not pictured, of a bird that I know has been on this speck of sand, at this time of year, every year over the last 3 decades, most likely at or within 2 meters of this very spot, I no longer look at that eye.

It looks at me.

Atleast to me, I believe to others as well, it tells many things. A few of them being that on this planet, at this Where and at this When:

You are not the only one that cares of things, that knows of things, that has needs of certain basics of life. This planet, at this moment has been, and is being, shared with us.

We must share back.

You are not the only one.
I am not the only one.
WE are not the only ones.

Let us remember that.


Good morning.

peace,

MWYork