#david tipling

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Mike Unwin and David Tipling

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Regent whistler

The regent whistler (Pachycephala schlegelii) is a poisonous bird found in the jungles of Papua New Guinea.

(Image credit: David Tipling via Alamy)

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Gannet, Shetland Islands, Scotland

Photo: David Tipling

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Otters, Shetland Islands, Scotland

Photo: David Tipling

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Credit: David Tipling

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Wandering albatross, pair displaying Albatross Island, South Georgia. A male, with head pointed skywards and bill vibrating then produces a quiet snap and popping sound, the female leans forward and their bills touch.

© David Tipling 

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Credit: David Tipling

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Two young females show a keen interest in a displaying male.

Unique photos of wandering albatrosses

There are thought to be only about 6,000 breeding pairs of wandering albatrosses left in the world. In January 2015 wildlife photographer David Tipling visited South Georgia, a crucial breeding site, where he took these amazing images.

A pair of wanderers display close to Cape Disappointment in the far south west corner of the island.

This pair may have been apart for more than a year while at sea. Back on Albatross Island they reaffirm their pair bond as the male gently caresses the female’s neck.

Young birds congregate on windy evenings in January to practise their displays and to look for a potential mate.

A male sky-points to a bird flying past. This appeared to be an advertising behaviour as on its her pass she landed and the pair proceeded to display.

Both the male and the female incubate their egg. This nest is on Albatross Island in the Bay of Isles.

Landing in thick tussock often requires a dummy run or two before committing to land. This image was taken at Trollhul, the southern most wanderer colony on South Georgia.

The wandering albatross is can live up to the age of 50. “Looking into the eyes of this individual I wondered which one of us was the elder,” says David.