What sea condition increases the chance of an offshore encounter with the Wandering Albatross?
Answer
Choppy, windy seas where wind shear over the waves is ideal.
When attempting to spot a Wandering Albatross on the open ocean, observers should prioritize areas exhibiting specific meteorological conditions that facilitate the bird's primary mode of movement. The species excels at dynamic soaring, a technique that relies heavily on harnessing the wind shear created by the difference in speed between the air near the wave surface and the air higher up. Therefore, encountering these birds is more likely in choppy, windy seas where this powerful energy source is readily available, rather than in protected, calm harbors or sheltered waters which limit their ability to soar efficiently.
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