This winter through spring 2025 grab your cup of joe and join Joe Owens on our Instagram or Facebook Page every Sunday morning or if you are not on social media, you can find it here. Each post is authored by Joe, unless noted otherwise, and complemented by one of his stellar images or video. Joe is a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service six-month biology volunteer currently working on Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge.
February 2, 2025
Your Sunday Morning Moment on Kuaihelani with Joe Owen.
“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
Your Sunday Morning Moment on Kuaihelani with Joe Owen. Photo by Joe Owen Super Bowl Sunday caption by Ann Bell
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.
