Happy World Migratory Bird Day! Today, we’re celebrating one of the ocean’s greatest travelers: the albatross. With a wingspan reaching up to 11 feet, albatrosses are built for long-distance flights and can cover thousands of miles without touching land once. They are also known for their complex courtship rituals, featuring elegant dances and lifelong pair bonds. Migratory birds like the albatross play a key role in maintaining healthy ecosystems, and it’s through their poop! Also known as guano, their poop is rich in nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus from their seafood diet. When they roost on islands, their guano builds up to a considerable degree. It fertilizes plants and even stimulates marine life, helping sustain entire food webs. This nutrient cycling connects land and sea in a powerful way. Whether soaring through the skies or roosting on land, migratory birds are sure to leave their mark! Video by paulnicklen #oceanschool #worldmigratorybirdday #explore