The busiest time of the year for an albatross observer begins at the end of January. After 63 days or so of sitting quietly in their eggs, the chicks begin to make their way out into the world. The parent on the nest will not help, other than to offer words of encouragement. The chick develops a horny growth on top of his bill, called the “egg tooth,” which will help him to break through the hard shell.

Meet Lindbergh, who is just beginning to make his way out into the world.

Lindbergh pipping

The white spot on his bill is the egg tooth. It will fall off eventually, after he has used it to break out of the shell.

Last year his parents nested for the first time. Something was wrong with their egg, it broke during the early stages of incubation. I hope that this is the first of many chicks to come.

One of the first chicks to hatch is in my neighborhood. His parents have raised 4 chicks in the last 9 years, they are experienced pros. This is the father, KP730, standing over his chick.

KP730 with his chick

And here is a closeup of the chick:

Closeup….

If nobody minds seeing fluffy chicks in all their cuteness, I will be showing more photos like these in days to come. If anyone does object, please tell me, what is wrong with you?