In the Antarctic Ocean, the observation ship 'Shirase' continues its research, revealing several species of seabirds that can be seen flying and floating above the waves even in locations hundreds of kilometers from the nearest land. Among these birds, the research team led by Dr. Takahiro Kashiwagi from the National Institute of Polar Research has become enchanted by their distinct characteristics and has learned to identify them, noting species such as the grey-headed albatross and the Antarctic fulmar. The article highlights that the Antarctic region is home to over 35 bird species, including not only the well-known penguins but also large seabirds like albatrosses, which can have wingspans of 2 to 3 meters, and other specific types such as petrels that skim over the water's surface.

Furthermore, some of these birds exhibit remarkable migratory behaviors, traversing vast distances between the Antarctic and Arctic regions based on the seasons. The Arctic tern, for example, is noted for its incredible journey, moving more than 80,000 kilometers a year between these two polar extremes. Various species, such as the black-browed albatross, breed in places like Tasmania and travel over 10,000 kilometers to feed in the Southern Ocean, showcasing an impressive adaptation to their environment. These migratory patterns and the ecological significance of Antarctic birds reflect not only the biodiversity found in this icy part of the world but also their crucial role in the broader global ecosystem.