BirdNote Daily Bruno & La Güera: An Albatross Love Story
Jan 6, 2026
A fascinating tale unfolds on Isla Guadalupe as conservationists relocate Black-footed Albatross chicks from Hawai‘i to ensure their survival. With rising seas threatening their natural habitats, the brave efforts of researchers take center stage. Bruno and La Güera, two hopeful albatrosses, navigate the awkwardness of new courtship, while hand-rearing experts teach them essential skills. Anticipation builds as their budding romance sparks optimism for a new albatross colony in Mexico, paving the way for a bright future.
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Relocating Chicks To A New Colony
- A dozen Black-footed Albatross chicks, including Bruno, were moved from Midway Atoll to Isla Guadalupe in 2021 as part of a relocation effort.
- Researchers hand-fed chicks and used decoys so juveniles learned colony life before fledging to sea.
Social Learning Aids Integration
- Relocation included social learning techniques like decoys and mixed-group fledging with native Laysan juveniles.
- These methods helped transplanted birds integrate into local seabird social dynamics at sea and on land.
Awkward Courtship, Then A Reunion
- Some returning transplanted Black-footed Albatrosses awkwardly attempted courtship with Laysan albatrosses, showing species-specific dance mismatches.
- Bruno ultimately reconnected with his Hawaii neighbor Agüera and formed a promising pair bond back on Isla Guadalupe.