West
World's oldest known wild bird, Wisdom, is spotted courting new suitors
The world’s oldest known wild bird may have lost her mate, but she was recently seen courting new suitors.
The Laysan albatross, or mōlī, known as Wisdom has been photographed dancing with potential mates at the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge in the North Pacific Ocean, according to SWNS, the British news service.
The seabird is recognized by her well-known band number Z333.
BIRD RESCUE RESULTS IN CATCH OF LOUD, SQUAWKING PEACOCK THAT SPENT MONTHS ON THE RUN
She is thought to be around 72 years old.
Wisdom has been seen only sporadically since arriving for nesting season in late November, according to reports.
Wisdom the Laysan albatross, on left, with a band on her leg, is reportedly the world’s oldest known wild bird. She was spotted recently taking part in mating dances and courtship rituals with potential suitors. (SWNS)
In March, she was spotted socializing with male birds.
Her long-time mate, Akeakamai, has yet to be seen this season, and he was not seen during the last two nesting seasons, either, according to SWNS.
Mōlī females lay a single egg in the first half of December, said Jonathan Plissner, supervisory wildlife biologist at the national wildlife refuge. (They lay only one egg per year.)
BABY PENGUINS DIVE OFF 50-FOOT CLIFF IN 1ST-OF-ITS-KIND FOOTAGE FROM NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
Yet that didn’t stop the 72-year-old Wisdom from participating in mating dances last month with a few suitors.
“She was still actively courting other birds in March,” Plissner told the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “She is quite spry for a septuagenarian.”
Wisdom the Laysan albatross, right, believed to be the world’s oldest known wild bird, was spotted taking part in mating dances and courtship rituals with potential suitors in March at the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge. (SWNS)
Biologists first identified and banded Wisdom in 1956 after she laid an egg. The large seabirds aren’t known to breed before age five.
It is estimated that Wisdom has produced 50 to 60 eggs and as many as 30 chicks that fledged in her lifetime, according to Plissner.
BIRD ATTEMPTS TO ‘CLEAN HOUSE’ WHEN IT DOESN’T LIKE THE DECORATIONS
Each year, millions of seabirds return to Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge in the North Pacific Ocean to nest and raise their young.
Wisdom the albatross was first banded by a biologist in 1956.
It’s a sanctuary for millions of “seabirds, shorebirds and various marine life who all call the island home,” according to the refuge’s website.
RARE WHITE MAGPIE THRILLS MAN IN WALES: ‘WOW, WHAT A THING THAT WAS’
“The purpose of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge and Battle of Midway National Memorial is to serve as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds, monk seals, sea turtles and other wildlife, while also protecting cultural resources from the Commercial Pacific Cable Company to the historic Battle of Midway,” the site also notes.
Wisdom, the beloved Laysan albatross, has been spotted mingling with potential suitors well into her 70s at Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge March 18, 2024. (SWNS)
Several years ago, Fox News Digital reported that when not laying eggs, Wisdom spends 90% of her time at sea, feeding on squid and fish eggs.
“In the past, many albatrosses were banded with aluminum bands that sometimes became corroded by sand and salt water. These early bands would often fall off in 20 years or less,” the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said in 2018.
But the same is not true for Wisdom, who was reportedly first banded by a biologist named Chandler Robbins in 1956. Experts have replaced Wisdom’s bands over the years.
The Laysan albatross, known as mōlī in Hawaiian, is a long-living seabird that pairs for life with a single mate, Live Science reported.
“The birds are named after a breeding colony of 145,000 pairs on Laysan, one of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands located 930 miles (1,500 kilometers) northwest of Honolulu.”
For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle.
Read the full article from Here
A controversial AT&T cell tower is coming to the San Francisco Diamond Heights neighborhood, despite community pushback.
Daniel Shereck, a resident and member of the Diamond Heights Community Association, helped lead the charge against its construction.
“Their proposal says they’ve got a large brown tower just about 10 stories tall,” Shereck said.
AT&T will install a 104-foot macro cell tower in the heart of the neighborhood, next to the San Francisco police academy, a local playground and nearby homes.
“It’s going to be enormous,” Shereck said.
The city approved the tower, despite opposition from Shereck and members of the Diamond Heights Community Association, who told CBS News Bay Area the tower is an unnecessary eyesore that poses wildfire and pollution risks.
“We’re really just asking AT&T to follow the alternatives that they have done elsewhere,” Shereck said.
But in a tense hearing before the Board of Supervisors, Cami Blackstone, director of external affairs for AT&T, argued there’s a significant need for the tower. She also says there is no evidence of wildfire or health risks, despite residents’ claims.
“I was very dispirited. I’m really concerned about the future of San Francisco,” Shereck said.
Shereck says the neighborhood will try to find some middle ground.
“Given what we can suggest at this point would probably be considering the color of the tower, covering up exposed wires, trying to make the antenna somewhat less obvious in the community,” Shereck said.
Moon Alert: There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions today. The Moon is in LIBRA.
Happy Birthday for Wednesday, April 29, 2026:
You’re confident and determined in your approach to work. You’re reliable, optimistic, incisive and independent. This is a year of learning and teaching. Take time to renew your spiritual or religious beliefs. Explore meditation, prayer or introspection. Study philosophies that give you a better self-awareness of your own potential.
ARIES
(March 21-April 19)
★★★
Today there’s a tendency to jump to conclusions – definitely something to be aware of. In particular, you might experience this when talking with family members, spouses or partners. Take a breath and create some space in the conversation. Go gently. Tonight: Genuinely listen.
TAURUS
(April 20-May 20)
★★★★
Be patient with co-workers today. Likewise, resist the tendency to think something is better than it is. Nevertheless, this is a productive day for you and you can get a lot done, especially privately or working alone behind the scenes. Get busy. Tonight: Get organized.
GEMINI
(May 21-June 20)
★★★
Parents must be patient with their kids today. Likewise, romantic partners must be patient with each other. If you’re involved in social outings and fun escapades (including sports) be careful of excess or going overboard. You might be too quick to jump the gun. Tonight: Socialize!
CANCER
(June 21-July 22)
★★★★
Keep the peace at home today even though dealings with parents and older family members might become challenging. In part, this might be because you’re ambitious and keen to get a lot done. In fact, you want things done your way and won’t hesitate to say so. Tonight: Relax.
LEO
(July 23-Aug. 22)
★★★
On the whole, this is a friendly, upbeat day. Nevertheless, you might get involved in an argument about politics, religion or racial issues. Steer clear of controversy, for your own peace of mind. Instead, enjoy relations with friends and groups. They will be friendly and supportive. Tonight: Learn and discuss.
VIRGO
(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
★★★★
Steer clear of disputes about money and possessions today, because this is basically a pleasant, friendly day. Others might ask for your advice about how to make something look better or be more attractive. Discussions about further education and travel will intrigue you. Tonight: Check your possessions.
LIBRA
(Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
★★★
The Moon is in your sign today at odds with Jupiter and Mars, which can make you jump too quickly in the wrong direction or make an assumption that is off the mark. Be aware of this and refrain from doing so, if you can. Do something different today. This will please you. Tonight: You’re in charge.
SCORPIO
(Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
★★★
You’re very keen to work hard now and accomplish as much as possible. Unfortunately, you need more sleep. Be aware of this and do your best to balance your desire to work with your need for rest. Romance is passionate now. It’s also a favorable time to get favors and money from others. Ka-ching! Tonight: Privacy.
SAGITTARIUS
(Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
★★★
Friendships are important to you today. However, be careful, because today the Moon is challenged by your own ruler Jupiter, which is why you might be tempted to promise more than you can deliver, especially to a friend, group or organization. Be sensible. Tonight: Friends.
CAPRICORN
(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
★★★
People notice you today. Be aware of this, especially because some people will know personal details about your private life. Perhaps this is because a public argument might take place. Also be aware that it’s easy to bite off more than you can chew. Don’t volunteer for anything. Tonight: Show respect.
AQUARIUS
(Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
★★★★
Today is full of excitement and high energy. You want to do something different! You want to kick things up a notch. Travel, learning, new places and new faces will satisfy your search for adventure. Steer clear of controversy to avoid arguments. Tonight: Explore and learn.
PISCES
(Feb. 19-March 20)
★★★★
It’s fortunate that you’re particularly skilled with your communications this month because this will allow you to dance delicately around any difficult situation that could turn into an argument, especially about money, shared costs or shared property. Instead, redecorate or entertain at home. Tonight: Check your finances.
BORN TODAY
Actress Michelle Pfeiffer (1958), actress Uma Thurman (1970), actress Kate Mulgrew (1955)
-
Wisconsin2 minutes ago
RBU? O-line U? Wisconsin must rejuvenate its rushing attack before it can reclaim those labels
-
West Virginia8 minutes agoPolice investigate robbery in West Virginia | suspect still at large
-
Wyoming14 minutes agoCentral Wyoming College invites community input as the presidential search moves forward
-
Crypto20 minutes agoBrent Crude Climbs Above $115 as Trump Signals Longer Iran Naval Blockade
-
Finance26 minutes agoSenate Approves 2026 School Finance Act — Colorado Senate Democrats
-
Movie Reviews44 minutes agoThe Devil Wears Prada 2 review – a sequel? For spring? Groundbreaking
-
News1 hour agoSpringfield’s Haitian Workers and Businesses Face Uncertain Future
-
Politics1 hour agoSupreme Court Deals Further Blow to Voting Rights Act
