Illustration Friday: Double

artcard, 2.5" X 3.5"

Laysan albatrosses have got to be the coolest birds on Earth! They're really inquisitive so they'd stop by for a visit when I'd hang out at Mokuleia Beach Park on Oahu, hovering a mere 10-15 ft overhead. They have a 13-ft wingspan so it is a pretty impressive visit, if you know what I mean. Not only are they cool-looking but they mate for life, staying together for the time it takes to raise a chick and return year after year to the same nest and same mate to do it all over again! (And yes, males and females look alike!)

artcard, 2.5" X 3.5"

Juvenile albatrosses look like a cross between a chick and an adult and are really goofy looking. Laysan albatrosses are vulnerable to longline fisheries and ingestion of floating plastics, including land-bound threats like cats, dogs, pesky Big-headed ants, etc. For more information, check out Joan Goes Green, where I share some pics taken on Kauai by a friend of mine.