Wind driven effects on the fine-scale flight behaviour of dynamic soaring wandering albatrosses

Wandering albatrosses Diomedea exulans are among the largest flying birds. Their energy-efficient dynamic soaring flight allows them to travel large distances by exploiting gradient in wind strength above sea surface. We used bio-logging devices study behaviour of wandering albatrosses, deriving roll (bank) angles from video and tri-axial magnetometers, flapping events accelerometers. Albatrosses mostly experienced westerly winds coming their left during outbound flights colonies right when returning. They compensated for differences speed varying predominantly turning into wind, resulting a net displacement that was perpendicular wind. Flapping influenced direction, with birds spending more time light head winds. often occurred at upper turn cycle, stage previously considered devoid flapping. There also evidence sexual behaviour, females less than males. Males almost exclusively take off winds, whereas utilized cross as well. These results add our knowledge show how react fields fine scale.