ML622080912

Observation details

Two juveniles circling high up with little movement of the wings. Initially seen gliding far south of land. They were generally flying at a level above that chosen by black kites, although now and then a kite would try to mod it. Eventually their movement brought them over us. Based on reports of adults seen in the vicinity, they are tentatively identified as juveline Fregata ariel. The alternative suggestion that they are F. andrewsi (Christmas island frigatebirds) may be unlikely because the white spurs on the wings are not angled forward as in that species.