Each winter, as millions of albatross return to Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll) to nest, an extraordinary scientific effort unfolds across the islands. For decades, researchers have relied on meticulous ground surveys by volunteers—walking transects, counting nests by hand, and gathering data that help protect one of the world’s most important seabird colonies.
Today, thanks to cutting-edge drone technology, a new chapter in seabird monitoring is beginning.
To learn more about the tools and expertise behind this work, FOMA spoke with Anna Vallery, a U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service biologist and licensed drone operator who—along with fellow operator Dan Link—is helping bring next-generation remote sensing to Midway Atoll.
Who Flies the Drones?
Anna Vallery and Dan Link
Specialized Training for Conservation
Operating drones for wildlife monitoring is far more complex than recreational flying. Anna and Dan are both FAA Part 107–certified drone pilots, but they’ve also completed Department of the Interior training specific to each drone model.
“I took the training course in New Mexico last November,” Anna says, joining a cohort of about ten DOI staff and partners becoming certified on the Skydio X10. “Dan has had his drone certification for several years and was checked off on the Skydios last October.”
Anna’s involvement with drone-based bird monitoring goes back to her master’s research in Texas in 2015, when she first evaluated drones for waterbird studies.
Which Drones Are Being Used—and Why They Matter
Anna and Dan operate two Skydio X10 drones, a next-generation “Blue” drone model vetted by the USFWS Remote Sensing team. These small, foldable quadcopters are equipped with 64-megapixel cameras and built-in thermal sensors, giving researchers the ability to capture exceptionally high-resolution imagery while minimizing disturbance to wildlife.
One of the most valuable features? Advanced obstacle avoidance.
“The drone stops automatically if a bird comes too close,” Anna explains. “That’s incredibly important when working in dense colonies, especially around albatross and other seabirds.”
Despite their power, the Skydio X10s are quieter and less intrusive than many other models—an essential quality for use in sensitive wildlife areas like Midway Atoll.
Why Drones Are Being Tested During the Annual Bird Count
Introducing new technology into a long-term monitoring program requires careful calibration. To ensure that drone-based counts can enhance (and possibly supplement) traditional methods, researchers compare both side-by-side. Midway provides the perfect location to do this.
“We’re excited to pursue three years of concurrent ground counts and drone-based counts,” Anna explains. “Before relying on new tools, it’s essential to understand how the results compare to historic methods.”
This approach may support these benefits:
- Strengthening Midway’s annual albatross census — especially in years when funding or staffing limitations make ground counts more difficult.
- Developing Standard Operating Procedures for drone usage in seabird colonies.
- Exploring machine-learning techniques to distinguish breeding vs. non-breeding birds.
By validating the technology now, FOMA and its partners are building a future where conservation science is more efficient, less invasive, and more resilient.
Unexpected Moments from the Field
Even with all the careful planning, fieldwork always surprises. One of the most heartening findings last season was how little the albatross reacted to the drone: “The albatross almost never even noticed the drone passing over, which is great news!”
But not every species was quite so indifferent.
“The drone did garner the attention of the ever-territorial White Terns,” Anna recalls with a smile. “They love to mob anything that passes by—people, other birds, bikes, anything new to them.” After a brief flurry, they calmed and returned to their normal routines.
Why This Work Matters
Modern drone-supported monitoring is one of the most promising advances in seabird conservation today. On Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll)—with over 600,000 nests counted last year across approximately 1,500 acres—aerial technology can:
- Expand survey coverage
- Increase data accuracy
- Reduce disturbance to nesting areas
- Build long-term research capacity
This isn’t just a technological upgrade. It’s a bold, science-driven investment in Midway’s future.
Three Ways You Can Help Today!
- Donate or become a member.
- Share this blog post with friends, family, and communities who care about conservation.
- Follow our updates: Watch albatross return to Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll) via FOMA’s Live Camera and stay connected through our newsletter and social media.
Midway Atoll is more than just a remote atoll in the Pacific—it’s a globally significant sanctuary for hundreds of thousands of seabirds. Your support helps us protect that sanctuary, innovate how we monitor it, and ensure its resilience for generations to come.
Mahalo (thank you) for being part of this journey.
Article by Krystal Winn