Wired is out with a cool story on Monday. Scientists fit albatrosses with sensor-laded backpacks to scan for infrasound.
Their wingspans, which can be 11 feet long, are lengthier than any human is tall. This allows them to spend considerable time simply floating on air currents above open waters, something that conserves energy as they embark on foraging trips. Not only do they fly across vast swaths of isolated ocean, but they don’t dive into the water, so any sensors attached to them wouldn’t get especially wet.
Check It Out: Scientists use Cyberpunk Albatrosses to Scan for Infrasound at Sea
Really cool. But the best part is that they just duct taped the packs to the birds. No fancy harnesses, just the handyman’s secret weapon.