Tristan : Gony Sighted on Tristan
Submitted by Tristan Times (Juanita Brock) 09.05.2004 (Current Article)

A juvenile Wandering Albatross – Gony as it is locally known – has landed at the head of the valley near the road leading to the potato patches.

Photos (c) J. Brock (SARTMA TdC) The Gony was the first sighted in approximately 50 years.

GONY SIGHTED ON TRISTAN

By J. Brock (SARTMA – TdC)

School Children missed the Gony but got photos to put on the bulletin board.

A juvenile Wandering Albatross – Gony as it is locally known – has landed at the head of the valley near the road leading to the potato patches.  According to locals, the Albatross is the first of that species to be spotted on Tristan in approximately 50 years.

It was spotted by Trevor Glass and his wife, Tina, who were on their way to the patches in their vehicle.  Trevor left Tina and another two passengers to look after the bird while he went to the patches to collect me and the cameras that I had brought along to photograph harvesting in progress.

After the bird was photographed and taped, several visitors came to see the Gony through the evening.  It was hoped that it would stay until the next day so that the school children could see it.  Unfortunately, it took off in the night.  Enjoy the photos.