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Preserving, protecting, and restoring the biological diversity and historic resources of Midway Atollal Wildlife Refuge

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Home/Plants & Wildlife/Birds/Wisdom, who is at least 74-years-old, returns to Midway Atoll Refuge and lays an egg on November 26, 2024!

Wisdom, who is at least 74-years-old, returns to Midway Atoll Refuge and lays an egg on November 26, 2024!

The oldest known banded wild bird, a Mōlī or Laysan albatross known as Wisdom has once again mystified biologists. Being able to reproduce and develop an egg, much less survive at sea and rear at least 30 chicks during her 74+ years defies logic and is truly remarkable. She is more than a symbol of hope and resilience, she also helps scientists better understand how to fully support such long lived and majestic seabirds.

How was she found you might ask? Click here! In the meantime, enjoy the affectionate moments as Wisdom (band number Z333) and her mate welcomed their offspring into the world. All images were captured by photographer and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Volunteer Dan Rapp and were made possible to share because of the members and donors of the Friends of Midway Atoll.

Wisdom and her mate getting to know their new offspring! November 26, 2024 on Midway Atoll known to Hawaiians as Kuaihelani (the backbone of heaven) or Pihemanu (loud din of birds).
Wisdom and her mate talk to their newly laid egg. November 2024.
Wisdom's mate positions himself in preparation for his first incubation duties. Nov. 26 2024.
On November 26, 2024 biologist volunteer Dan Rapp captures the moment Wisdom's mate takes his first incubation shift. Soon after this footage was taken Wisdom headed out to sea to feed and recuperate. She is expected to return to relieve her mate in the next couple of weeks.
Wisdom and her new mate on Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge November 2024
Wisdom and her mate November 26, 2024

Article written by Ann Bell

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Posted by:
Ann Bell
Published on:
November 1, 2024

Categories: Birds, News from FOMA

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