A Southern Royal Albatross (Diomedea epomophora) taking off at sea. Because there was only a slight wind it had to run at full speed across the water to get airborne. The Albatross and other birds were landing on the sea near our ship in response to pieces of fish that were being thrown overboard.

The Southern Royal Albatross is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, but is common at its breeding colony on Campbell Island and surrounding seas.

At sea, near Campbell Island, New Zealand

9 December 2018.