Our Friends of Midway Atoll’s live wildlife camera, made possible by donors, has opened an extraordinary window into life on Kuaihelani. Every day, viewers from around the world notice new behaviors, new wildlife visitors, and new questions—many of which reveal a deep curiosity about these remarkable seabirds and the island they call home.
Below, we’ve gathered the most frequently asked questions from Facebook, YouTube, and email, providing those answers here with assistance from FOMA Board members, on-site staff and volunteers. Mahalo to everyone who is tuning in, engaging, and supporting this work. Your interest directly supports FOMA’s mission to protect and restore the wildlife and cultural history of Kuaihelani. Be sure to visit this post again, as we will be adding more Q&A's over time!
Where exactly is the live camera located?
The camera is positioned near the center of Sand Island, facing north/northeast toward the lagoon. Click the right or left arrows on the pictures to see three different perspectives. Image quality may be low due to real-time satellite photos.
Note: “The Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife Refuge“ text on the zoomed-out image is incorrect and should state “Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge and Battle of Midway National Memorial.”
To view this by map or satellite at your own discretion, please visit the KML, KMZ Viewer online. Wait a few moments, and the live cam marker should appear.
Why was this camera location chosen?
This site was selected for:
- Electrical availability
- Safe mounting with no avian collision risk
- A sloping landscape that gives viewers both close-up and wide views
- The ability to hear or see most of the bird species on Kuaihelani and both the black-footed albatross in the distance as well as the Laysan albatross
- Beautiful lagoon backdrops, including clouds and sunrises
Which camera is being used?
The camera used on Midway Atoll is the Axis Communications P5676-LE 4MP Outdoor PTZ Network Dome Camera with Night Vision (60 Hz). It features a 0-90° tilt, capturing video at 60 fps. For low-light conditions, it includes IR (infrared) illumination with a range of up to 656 feet and offers features like Electronic Image Stabilization. The camera is housed in a IP66-, NEMA 4X-, and IK10-rated enclosure, definitely making it suitable for Midway Atoll's location! No camera pole necessary, as it has been attached to a tree.
Will the camera ever be focused on Wisdom’s nest?
No. Unfortunately, it is not possible to place a camera near Wisdom’s nesting area.
There is no electrical source available, and no structure that could safely support a camera without creating a flight hazard for birds.
FOMA and USFWS (US Fish and Wildlife) always prioritize wildlife safety first—especially in high-density nesting environments.
As everyone loves and respects Wisdom, personnel will always share (non-invasive) photo ops. Stay tuned.
Will the camera move in the future?
Yes. At the end of albatross season (mid-to-late August), the camera will be moved to highlight species that are present during the remainder of the year.
Why do some birds in the camera view have bands on their legs? Are there more “Goonies” (albatross) that are banded?
Occasionally, a banded bird may wander into the live camera view. These are most likely albatross simply transiting through this area. Not all albatross on Midway Atoll are banded.
Banding only occurs in specific areas of the refuge as part of long-term reproductive monitoring. This camera location is not one of those study areas, so it is uncommon to see banded individuals here. Because albatross have strong site fidelity, they tend to return to the same familiar locations—meaning it's unlikely that many banded birds will make an appearance on this particular part of Sand Island.
Are the mice and Nunulu (Bonin petrels) seen on camera attracted by the camera’s lighting or sound? Will something be done about the mice?
No. The camera uses infrared technology, which emits no visible light and does not attract Bonin petrels, mice or other wildlife.
Outdoor rodent control details are managed by USFWS, and future updates will be shared through official channels when available. Mouse traps are only deployed inside buildings in order to protect the birds.
What happens when Bonin petrel burrows connect?
Burrow connections—and the interactions that result—are part of the complex underground neighborhood of the Nunulu (Bonin petrels). When nesting burrows intersect, the birds may compete aggressively for the site, potentially leading to nest failure, the eviction or killing of an occupying adult or chick, or the abandonment of the burrow.
Why are some albatross aggressive?
Albatross aggression is typically related to space, nest territory, pair bonding behavior, and defending against intrusion.
Do albatross return to the same nesting spot each year?
Yes. Albatross are famous for their exceptional site fidelity. They return to nest in close proximity to where they themselves hatched—often within just a few meters.
How long after mating does an albatross lay its egg? How long until it hatches?
The exact time between copulation and egg-laying is not known, but egg laying generally occurs pretty soon after copulation. Generally, once both mates arrive back to the nest site, they will get reacquainted, mate, and then take a short trip (about a week) back to sea to feed. The female generally returns first to build a nest and then lay the egg. Egg incubation lasts 62–66 days after the egg is laid.
Are albatross and other seabirds on the island year-round?
Midway Atoll hosts a rich community of seabirds. Some species—such as the manu-o-Kū (white tern)—are present year-round. Others, like the albatross, spend long periods at sea, returning primarily for breeding season. This typically starts in November through mid-to-late August, when the birds then depart to forage across the North Pacific.
If over 275,000 albatross have been banded since 1936, why don’t we see banded individuals on the live cam?
The absence of banded individuals here is not a mortality issue or a reflection of population decline. This camera is not located in any of the long-term banding study areas, so banded birds are unlikely to appear except by chance, given the site fidelity noted above.
Do young albatross really spend years at sea? How far do they travel?
Yes. Immature albatross spend 3–5 years flying over the Pacific Ocean before returning to Midway to find a mate. They may travel astonishing distances—a vast oval pattern reaching as far as the Aleutian Islands and the southern Bering Sea.
Do albatross sleep while flying?
Albatross can glide on wind currents for long distances and may rest mid-flight, though the specifics of sleep behavior in flight are the subject of ongoing scientific research.
Why are there ironwood trees on Midway Atoll?
Ironwood trees, also known as Australian pines, are not native to Midway Atoll. They were historically introduced to provide shade and windbreaks. Check out our blog post specifically focused on these and other non-native plants.
Why do I see an egg laying on the ground unattended?
Egg abandonment is not an uncommon sight on Midway and there are several potential causes for this. It's possible one member of a breeding pair failed to return to its nest / mate (two parents is a must). Why a breeding bird abandons its nest could be the result of many factors including death, inability to find enough food, or just general inexperience in breeding. Younger / less experienced birds are more prone to abandon their nest than older / more experienced breeders. Male and female birds are equally likely to abandon their egg.
Mahalo for Your Curiosity—and Your Support
Every question asked and every moment spent watching the live cam deepens awareness of the species that depend on Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll). Your engagement strengthens conservation efforts across this magical place.
Inspired by what you see and how you experience this special place?
Please consider a gift to support our live camera operation costs and ongoing activities so we can all continue watching these beautiful birds in real-time.