Shy Albatrosses (Diomedea cauta) lay just one egg during their September – April nesting season. They generally breed on Bass Strait islands such as Albatross Island, a tiny speck on the map off the northwestern tip of Tassie. Maybe that’s why they call them Shy?
Of the 9 Albatross species recorded in Victorian waters, Shy Albatrosses are the most common. Although they occasionally come into Port Phillip Bay they’re often only noticed when they’re found stranded on beaches, dead or in serious need of a feed. So it was with ‘Alby’, found washed up at Middle Park Beach in December 2008.

Doing fine at Hobsons Bay Wildlife Shelter.
Mandy Hall (Hobson’s Bay Wildlife Shelter) reports: “He was taken to Port Phillip Animal Hospital and given emergency hydration and his first feed in a long time. He stayed with me for 2 weeks and then was transferred to Phillip Island Nature Park for further rehab and release.”
Mandy, you’re a legend! From all of us who love the Bay, thanks for all you do.