Partying Group

Working out on the boat today we watched this group of juvenile Northern royal albatross in courtship behavior.

Sometimes on land, sometimes at sea these gatherings are called partying groups. A bit like social events, the juveniles, between 1 - 5 years old, congregate. They are like teenagers, young and looking for a mate and life partner. So, like teenagers they can be a bit awkward: flying around aimlessly, crash landing, and lots of posturing like this.

Some behaviors that characterize how they flirt and socialize are bill touching, sky calling (like this bird), and showing off your wings. And in the albatross world nice wings are the sureness sign of fitness, like nice cleavage or big pecs, sports cars, or flash clothing. "Hey there, look at my big, beautiful wings. What great chicks I could give you with wings like this!"