The enchantment that envelops me on arrival to this island is felt once more. Even after many visits over the years, there is awe over the fact that the island has remained so untouched, for so long. The Great frigatebirds are in their glory still (well, actually they are always glorious). The males with red pouches, hunched over the spindly branches of a bush, waiting for a female to choose them (the female takes the responsibility for the serious business of nest-building). In the insert one can see the male looking up, keeping an eye out for potential suitors. The main photograph shows a young male, not yet in full adult plumage, with the beginnings of the gular sack semi-inflated with hope.
One of the most difficult identifications to make among seabirds is distinguishing the various stages between the chick and the adult frigate. According to Harrison in "Seabirds: An identification guide", one should look in the sky for juvenile 1st stage, juvenile 2nd stage (either tawny-breasted form or white-breasted form make no mistake!), immature fe/male 1st stage, immature fe/male 2nd stage, sub-adult male/female, adult fe/male. And all this takes place over anywhere from 5 to 8 years of gradual transitions from young to fully sexually mature individuals. Since they can live to upwards of forty years if not more, there's no real hurry to reach adulthood. However, as in all species, these stages are the most difficult and dangerous to survive. Once an adult, a long life is their reward.
