Understanding the flight movements of a non-breeding wandering albatross, Diomedea exulans gibsoni, using a geographic information system

Abstract

This paper discusses the relationship between the movements of a single wandering albatross and wind conditions. Analyses used a Geographic Information System (GIS) to examine and describe bird movements in relation to wind direction and speed. They include separation of the flight into pure flight and clusters, examination of bird speed and direction relative to the wind, and the degree to which the bird relies on horizontal wind for flight. Generally, the flight of the bird was closely linked with the current winds, although it was found that the bird was able to choose flight paths independent of the wind direction.