The first Northern Royal Albatross egg for the season has been laid at Tairaoa Head

 
First egg for the 2026/27 season

Endangered Northern Royal Albatrosses Diomedea sanfordi have commenced the 2026/27 breeding season in the mainland colony at Pukekura/Taiaroa Head on New Zealand’s South Island.  The first egg was laid on 01 November by colour-banded birds GLY and L, laying in the previous season’s Royalcam nest.  The birds were also the Royalcam pair during 2023 and have fledged four chicks.  So there is no need to move the camera.

John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 01 November 2026