We still call them “nya-nyas” in my house, even though the Eurasian variety around where I live now makes more of a “dwip” sound.

One of the first birds I learned to identify, and still a favorite!

Feeling proud!

I should be cooking dinner right now, but…

Fun fact: The Japanese name for the short-tailed albatross is ahōdori, which literally means "idiot bird" owing to their complete lack of fear toward predators, especially humans. There is a movement to change this derogatory name to the more elegant okinotayū (“grand master of the seas”).
#オキノタユウ

Also, a shameless plug for the organization that is working to help these birds survive and thrive.
www.yamashina.or.jp/albatross_e/...

Pelagic birding trip a few weeks ago, when short-tailed shearwaters were passing through this part of the Pacific.

(´-ω-`)

An Alphabet for Gourmets (1949), “F is for Family” if you’re curious.

This conversation prompted me to go find and reread MFK Fisher’s joyous ode to the pleasures of spaghetti with butter (and Parmesan), which is probably the definitive word on the subject. So thank you for that, but now I’m hungry.

Persimmon — orange and tasty