Grab your cup of joe every Sunday morning and enjoy imagery captured by Joe Owens . Joe is currently a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Volunteer on Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge. When his six-month volunteer assignment ends March 15, 2025 we will continue to share his gifts forward with you right here and on our Instagram and Facebook pages. Unless otherwise noted, Joe is also the key author.
February 2, 2025
“On Kuaihelani (an ancient Hawaiian name for Midway Atoll meaning the “backbone of the heavens”), the constant presence of familiar wildlife becomes a comforting rhythm, with each day offering a reminder of the island's vibrant ecosystem. However, as you plunge into the calm waters surrounding the atoll, a breathtaking scene unfolds. A squadron of majestic manta rays glides effortlessly through the depths, feeding in a graceful, almost hypnotic dance. Their fluid, effortless movements sweeping through the crystal-clear water create a mesmerizing display of natural beauty.”
Hawaiians named the manta Hāhālua, which means two breaths. These gentle giants can weigh up to 3,000 pounds and the Hawaiian people who honored their wisdom, grace, strength and flow.
February 9, 2025
While waiting for the Super Bowl, three ʻĀ (Hawaiian name for all species of boobies) currently nesting on Midway Atoll Refuge are hoping to cover their snack tray with flying fish, squid, mackerel scad, juvenile goatfish, and anchovy! Yes, you should be jealous.
February 16, 2025
An adult Brown Booby, or known in Hawaiian as simply ʻĀ, nests among the albatross. Similar to Laysan albatross, brown boobies nest on the ground and it is necessary for both parents to nurture and feed the chick until it fledges. In two to three years, the juvenile will have acquired the distinctive adult plumage and will hopefully return to Kuaihelani to raise a chick of its own.
February 23, 2025
“Watch this honu (green sea turtle) gracefully glide through the water before heading to the surface for a breath. Like all sea turtles, they must return to the surface regularly to breathe, though they can hold their breath for hours while resting. Every movement is effortless, from the gentle strokes of its flippers to the way it navigates the currents with serene precision.”
May we all take a moment today to find the light and our breath.
March 2, 2025
“The koaʻe ʻula (red-tailed tropicbird) is a true aerial dancer of the ocean! With its long, elegant red tail streamers and striking white plumage, this seabird performs breathtaking courtship displays, gliding and looping gracefully through the sky almost like a midair ballet.”
Kuaihelani hosts the largest number of breeding pairs in the Hawaiian archipelago. Photos by: Joe Owen/Courtesy of Friends of Midway Atoll
March 9, 2025
“At just a few days old, this curious duckling stays close to its mother, soaking in the lessons of the world around it. Guided by her, it is introduced to foraging sites and begins to feed independently a mere two days after hatching. The mother remains vigilant, continuing her protective watch for up to 60 days.”
Over twenty years ago 42 of one the most endangered waterfowl in the world, the koloa pōhaka (Laysan duck) were translocated from Kamole (Laysan Island) to Kuaihelani. They now number over 1,000 individuals.
March 16, 2025
A pair of makalena or short-tailed albatross (Phoebastria albatrus) sit side-by-side, guarding their egg—a symbol of hope for the future. Sadly this egg did not hatch this year, but these dedicated parents have successfully raised five chicks in six previous seasons!
March 23, 2025
Meet the kioea or bristle-thighed curlew, a species known for its incredible migratory journey between the Alaskan tundra and the remote islands of the Pacific. These remarkable birds travel non-stop thousands of miles, crossing vast stretches of ocean to reach their breeding grounds. With distinctive bristle-like feathers on their legs and a hauntingly beautiful call, they embody the resilience and wonder of nature. Their journey is a testament to the power of instinct and endurance in the wild.
Photos by: Joe Owen/Courtesy of Friends of Midway Atoll
March 30, 2025
Two mōlī (Laysan albatross) chicks, one larger than the other, nestled together in a single nest cup—an unexpected but peaceful moment of shared comfort.
Grab your cup of joe and enjoy imagery captured by Joe Owens every Sunday morning. His six-month volunteer assignment ends March 15, 2025, but we will continue to share his gifts forward with you right here and on our Instagram and Facebook social media platforms.