Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

19th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Wandering Albatros

With the largest wingspan in the world, the wandering albatross barely needs to flap its wings to stay aloft. This individual followed our boat for hours, barely showing any effort to glide with our aerodynamic wake. I found a great calm in watching it oscillate from port to starboard, despite the rough seas.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 03.2020
Date Uploaded: 11.2021
Photo Location: Antarctica
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T7i
Copyright: © Alicia Burtner