Laysan Albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis) is in the Albatrosses family (Diomedeidae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 2,096 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in December.
Seasonal pattern in the national data: seasonal. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.
Conservation status (iNaturalist): NT.
When to photograph Laysan Albatross: observations by month (U.S.)
About Laysan Albatross
The Laysan albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis) is a large seabird that ranges across the North Pacific. The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands are home to 99.7% of the population. This small (for its family) gull-like albatross is the second most common seabird in the Hawaiian Islands, with an estimated population of 2.5 million birds, and is currently expanding (or possibly re-expanding) its range to new islands. The Laysan albatross was first described as Diomedea immutabilis by Lionel Walter Rothschild,...From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Laysan Albatross by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | 2,028 | December | Nov–Jun |
| California | 34 | December | Dec–Dec |
| Alaska | 23 | May | May–Aug |
| Oregon | 10 | December | Oct–Dec |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Photography tips
- Use a fast shutter (1/2000 s or faster) for birds in flight.
- Focus on the eye and shoot at the bird's eye level.
- Approach slowly and stop if the bird changes behavior; never bait or flush birds.
- Morning activity peaks in the first two hours after sunrise.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph Laysan Albatross?
Nationally, December has the most observations, with the main season from November to June.
Where is Laysan Albatross most often seen?
The most observations come from Hawaii, California, Alaska.