Adults feed the youngsters by disgorging partially digested prey directly into their bills. They recognize their young by returning to the nest site and through the distinctive call of the juvenile. 

The Laysan albatross is famous for its very ritualized courtship. Adults clap their bills and sway their heads in a comical fashion to reinforce the pair's bond after a year apart at sea.

Because the juveniles need to stay near the nest site so that the parents can find them, they are often in the hot tropical sun for many hours. The juveniles above, demonstrate two methods of cooling. (Left, rocking off their feet increasing air circulation to cool blood passing through capillaries in their feet.) (Right, extending a foot or wing when the sun is low and only partial cooling is required occurs early and late in the day.)

Juveniles exercise their wing muscles in preparation for flight. They also will flap their wings vigorously during refreshing rain storms that regularly pass over the island.

Albatross are magnificent fliers at sea but have difficulty landing on the island. The frequent mishaps and other behaviors account for their name "gooney bird."