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Rare Waved Albatross Spotted Off California Coast

2/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A waved albatross was spotted off the central California coast, marking only the second sighting north of Central America.
The adult has an 8-foot wingspan and was found about 23 miles offshore.
Marine ornithologist Tammy Russell speculated the bird may have been driven north by a storm or may be wandering.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists the waved albatross as critically endangered, with a tropical range.

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Story summary

A waved albatross was spotted off the central California coast, marking only the second sighting north of Central America.
The adult has an 8-foot wingspan and was found about 23 miles offshore.
Marine ornithologist Tammy Russell speculated the bird may have been driven north by a storm or may be wandering.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists the waved albatross as critically endangered, with a tropical range.