The oldest wandering albatross in recorded Australian history has been recently spotted off Western Australia's south coast.
In January, photographer Nic Duncan snapped the bird while out in the Bremer Canyon, about two hours east of Albany.
She did not notice the band on the bird's leg until she got home from the photo shoot.
But the incredible endurance of the bird can now be revealed, after the band's information was verified by the Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme (ABBBS).
The federal government group manages over 2 million records on bird and bat species, with its database stretching back to 1953.
Records show the bird — or BP9 — is approximately 46 years old, surpassing the previous longevity record of 44.
"It was very cool to discover that this bird was 46 years old," Ms Duncan said.
A life well lived
BP9 is a male wandering albatross that was banded as a chick in September 1976 at the Crozet archipelago in the southern Indian Ocean between Madagascar and Antarctica.
ABBBS records show the bird has covered enormous distances in its lifetime — travelling about 5,600 kilometres each year from its breeding ground to areas such as the Bremer Canyon.
As well as wandering albatross, the canyon is home to whales, dolphins and birds.
"I love being out in the canyon with the Orcas and the birds … it's so raw out there from the minute you leave," Ms Duncan said.
Through its travels, BP9 is known to have raised 11 chicks with three different partners over approximately 30 years.
However, his breeding days could be behind him, as successful breeding is difficult in older males and his last breeding partner has not being been seen since 2014.
Taking a break
Ornithologist Dan Mantle was with Ms Duncan when BP9 was photographed.
"It's pretty exciting to get that news back from researchers," Mr Mantle said.
He said wandering albatross could live to over 60 years of age, but BP9's age certainly classified it as a "mature adult".
The town of Bremer Bay itself is a popular holiday spot with pristine beaches and a laid back lifestyle.
Similarly, Mr Mantle said if BP9 was still breeding, he was likely taking a break.
"Wandering albatross generally breed one year then take a sabbatical the next year," he said.
"The fact that this bird has come all the way to Bremer — that suggests it's actually in its sabbatical year.
"It's taking a bit of a break, recuperating before it'll try and breed again the following ayear."
A vulnerable species
The wandering albatross is currently listed as vulnerable — four stages below extinct in the conservation status listing and ranking system.
Macquarie Island, 1,500km south-east of Tasmania, is Australia's only breeding population of the wandering albatross, with further marine protections currently being considered to ensure the survival of the bird.
According to the ABBBS, there were 9,400 breeding pairs of wandering albatross globally in 2021.
Mr Mantle praised continued efforts to ensure the survival of the wandering albatross.
"I think the various conservation bodies have done an incredible job with removing introduced predators from some of the key seabird breeding islands," Mr Mantle said.
Consultation is continuing on the establishment of a marine park near Bremer Bay, which will provide further protection for the species.
The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) proposal would prohibit fishing and other activities in specific areas.
"It is such a critical feeding area for many seabirds and cetaceans and is a real jewel along our southern margin," Mr Mantle said.
