Solitary, yes. Shy? Hardly, albatrosses trail after trawlers and dance for their partners

A better term for the shy albatross comes from its scientific name: sea commander. Unfortunately, it's now in a battle to surviveSee more Australian bird of the year contentGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastIn March, as Cyclone Alfred roared towards the south-east Queensland coast, the bayside suburbs of Brisbane were treated to a rare cold-water visitor. A shy albatross was spotted offshore, opposite a fishmonger in Sandgate. A couple of days later, what was likely to be the same bird flopped into a front yard of nearby Banyo, exhausted.The bird was taken into care by seabird rescuers Paula and Bridgette Powers, better known as the Twinnies. "Banyo Alfred", as they named their bird, was exhausted, emaciated and riddled with lice, as were hundreds of other birds the twins treated in the cyclone's wake. Two months later, Alfie was well enough to be released back out to sea.And a good south wind still blew behind, But no sweet bird did follow, Nor any day, for food or play, Came to the mariner's hollo! Continue reading...