Why Count Birds?
Every year since 1992, bird counters have conducted a census of the planet's largest albatross colony that provides crucial information to assess the long-term albatross population trends and ultimately the productive health of the ocean.
Walking among thousands of birds each day between December and January, counters also replace worn bands on albatross and are often the first to document critical sightings such as:
- Albatross wounded by predatory mice.
- Makalena (short-tailed albatross) returning or landing for the first time.
- Albatross banded in the Ogasawara Islands, south of Japan and Lalo (French Frigate Shoals) within Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.
Bird Counters at Work!
Volunteers sign up every year hoping to be selected to count albatross nests on Pihemanu (Hawaiian name for Midway Atoll meaning “loud din of birds”). These hardy souls work 8 hours a day, 6 days a week, counting more than half a million nests by hand, on foot, one at a time. Their commitment contributes to one of the longest-running data sets for mōlī (Laysan albatross) and ka‘upu (black-footed albatross) populations.
AND THE FINAL COUNT IS. . .
619,919 mōlī (Laysan albatross) and 25,135 ka'upu (black-footed albatross) nests! This is the second highest number of mōlī nests counted since the census began over 30 years ago!
This year’s figures represent an almost 25% increase from last year for mōlī nests, while ka’upu nests were down about 9%. The counts typically rise and fall in alternating years, sometimes by large margins.
Mahalo Nui Loa (much gratitude to all)! The annual albatross census would not be possible without the financial help of YOU, the Friends of Midway Atoll members and donors. Your contribution to science helps biologists strategize and formulate action plans to help these extraordinary birds not only survive but thrive!
Article written by Krystal Winn & Ann Bell