Grab your cup of coffee every Sunday morning and enjoy Fish and Wildlife Service volunteers' insight and imagery, as well as news relating to Midway Atoll. These Sunday morning scheduled posts were originally inspired by Joe Owen who worked on the previous volunteer crew spanning September 2024 through March 13, 2025. As long as there are volunteers on Kuaihelani, we will continue to share their stories and insights right here and on our Instagram and Facebook pages.
January 18, 2026
Sunday Morning Moment: Egg Talk
As the nesting season nears its end on Midway Atoll, albatross parents are preparing for an exciting milestone—chicks will begin hatching in just a few weeks.
One remarkable behavior seen throughout incubation is what biologists often call “egg talk.” Parents can be seen and heard softly vocalizing to their chicks through the eggshell. While this behavior has not yet been formally studied in Laysan or Black-footed Albatross, research in other colonial nesting bird species suggests these early vocalizations may help embryos learn species-specific calls and even recognize a parent’s unique voice after hatching.
Another possible role of “egg talk” is reinforcing parental bonds with the egg and maintaining incubation behavior—especially important for albatross, which take extraordinarily long incubation shifts.
Videos by USFWS biologist & volunteer Dan Rapp.
January 4, 2026
Sunday Morning Moment: Meet the Kaʻupu
As we ring in the new year, we’re highlighting a lesser-seen resident of Midway Atoll—the Kaʻupu, or Black-footed Albatross. While the Mōlī (Laysan Albatross) is the most common albatross on Midway and the species you’ll most often spot on our live cam, the Kaʻupu offers a quieter glimpse into Midway’s remarkable seabird diversity.
Midway is home to three albatross species: the Mōlī (Laysan), the Kaʻupu (Black-footed), and the rare, larger Makalena (Short-tailed Albatross)—together representing a range of sizes and life-history strategies adapted to the open ocean.
📊 Curious how the Kaʻupu compares to other albatross species? Explore Cornell Lab’s species comparison website to learn more.
December 14, 2025
Your Sunday Morning Moment from Kuaihelani.
A heart-warming Makalena family reunion is unfolding on Midway Atoll! George and Geraldine—the devoted pair of Makalena (Short-tailed albatross)— are back at their Sand Island nesting site.
Alongside them is their returning 2019 fledgling nearby—an inspiring reminder of long-term reproductive success for this endangered seabird. Photos courtesy of USFWS Supervisory Wildlife Biologist Jon Plissner.
December 7, 2025
Sunday Morning Moment | Honoring Our Heroes
Today we honor the brave service members and civilians who faced the attack on Pearl Harbor and Midway Atoll 83 years ago, on December 7, 1941.
In the hours following the Pearl Harbor attack, two Japanese destroyers turned toward Midway Atoll—Kuaihelani—shelling Sand Island and taking the life of 1st Lieutenant George H. Cannon while damaging several structures. This moment marked a pivotal point in the atoll’s history and the path toward the Battle of Midway.
FOMA board members and Midway Atoll Refuge staff were deeply privileged to meet Colonel John F. Miniclier, who served through the Battle of Midway attacks. In this interview filmed ten years ago, he shares his memories with clarity, humility, and quiet strength. Colonel Miniclier passed away in May 2025 and will be laid to rest in Arlington Cemetery December 9, 2025. May his spirit drift in the skies over Kuaihelani forever.
Read more about his story, including rare photos and personal interviews.
Watch his recorded reflections and return to Midway Atoll:
November 30, 2025
This Sunday Morning Moment is all about bringing good tidings!
The US Fish & Wildlife Service staff announced Wisdom's mate has returned! Reunited and it feels so good! 
He was spotted on November 25th, banded EX25. He has not been named yet and we are anxiously awaiting news on that front. So far we only have a few photos to share, and we'll definitely share more as we receive them.
Here's to a successful egg laying and hatching season for these two! Photos by Chris Forster.
November 23, 2025
Your Sunday Morning Moment features a seriously cute ʻUaʻu Kani chick.
Thanks to USFWS volunteer and biologist Dan Rapp, we have a close up view of a younger ʻUaʻu Kani (Wedge-tailed Shearwater) on video. The video shows the transition of a downy, fluffy chick, to a chick that has grown flight feathers necessary to fledge (be able to fly and leave the island).. Although the chick hasn’t grown all of its flight feathers, he (or she) is well on their way!
And let’s not forget how this chick got here – both parents have been very busy up to this point, as they took turns incubating the egg and foraging long distances to feed the ever-growing chick. Quickly maturing from a fluffy chick to a pre-fledged chick takes a lot of energy and doesn’t happen uniformly , as shown by the hairdo, but soon the chick will be flying off-island to have its own adventures at sea, until returning to Midway in the spring.
November 16, 2025
Your Sunday Morning Moment features a duck you could see on our live cam – the Koloa Pōhaka (Laysan duck)!
The Laysan duck currently resides only on Kauō (Laysan Island), Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll), and Hōlanikū (Kure Atoll). The population on Midway Atoll is a result of two successful translocation efforts that occurred in 2004–2005 and 2014.
Unlike the mōlī (Laysan Albatross), the Laysan duck does not mate for life, and the male does not help raise the ducklings – go mom go! These endangered ducks build their nests between February and November, although most eggs are usually laid between April and August, averaging around three to five total. Their nests are well-hidden under brush or bunch grasses, lined with dead grass and down from the hen.
Looking at the above photo, the whiter the eye ring, the older the duck. Although hard to tell, females tend to have a pinkish bill whereas the male's bill has a greenish tinge to it.
For more information about Koloa Pōhaka visit our page.
Our live cam can be found here.
November 9, 2025
Your Sunday Morning Moment is all about feeling the love! 
As seen in our live cam, the albatrosses are returning home to Kuiahelani (Midway Atoll). They will soon reunite with their life-long mate with brief dancing, preening each other, and settling down together – the next step is eggs in the nests! Whereas, unmated albatross will wander the island, usually close to where they hatched, dancing with potential mates until the right one with the right moves is found. They will return next year to mate and get down to business (nest) for the first time.
Each step in the dance is combined either with a call, a chuckle or a mutter. It's easier to hear the beak clapping that is also performed! There's a certain step when both birds point their bills to the sky, stare at each other eye-to-eye and moo like a cow.
All albatross dance to find a mate. It warms the heart because to make it this far with all of the challenges they face means the albatross will once again grace Kuaihelani and dedicate themselves to raising the next generation of albatross!
October 19, 2025
Your Sunday Morning Moment with a Nunulu (Bonin petrel) and Dan on Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll).
Sand is flying high these days on Kuaihelani due to the seriously mean backwards kick coming from hundreds of thousands of tiny nunulu webbed feet!
Once deep inside their almost perfectly round underground burrow, an egg is laid. A burrow cannot fend off an approaching mouse but a well-crafted deep one prevents cave ins under the weight of 6 to 9 pound albatrosses. Video is by Dan Rapp who is still woking as an American Conservation Experience hire during the federal government shutdown on Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge!
October 12, 2025
Your Sunday Morning Moment in the land of ‘A (booby birds) with Dan Rapp on Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll)
Feeling grateful this morning for Dan's sharing his time and energy during the Government shutdown so we can find joy in the incredible masked, brown and red-footed boobies that nest on Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge. These are magnificent deep divers that use their sharp bill to take fish at sea. We will be featuring these beauties throughout the coming week as we wait for the return of the albatross.
September 28, 2025
“Tell me, what are you going to do with your wild and precious life?” – Mary Oliver
Your Sunday Morning Moment with chicks in their first week of life on Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll) within Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary
Eastern and Sand Island on Midway Atoll Wildlife Refuge hosts the largest colony of breeding pairs of White Terns in the Hawaiian Islands. Photos by Dan Rapp.
September 7, 2025
This Sunday Morning Moment is brought to you by video tech talent U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Owen Sobel. Watch, and then watch again.
This is a National Wildlife Refuge and a National Monument that just turned into a National Sanctuary and is honored on the world stage as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You who live in the United States asked the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary, Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project, Hawaii DLNR (Department of Land and Natural Resources), NOAA Fisheries Pacific Islands, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and others to conserve, protect, and preserve the heritage and wildlife that is Papahānaumokuākea for our well-being and for our children. In concert with other non-profit organizations who directly support this place in powerful ways, we stand with them by resisting attempts to undermine federal preservation regulations.
Please join us and have your voice be counted and heard as we being to unveil specific Call to Action details beginning on September 15, 2025, which can be found on our main Advocacy website page.
August 31, 2025
Your Sunday Morning Float with Honu and Owen at Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll)
“When at the beaches or snorkeling on Midway, it is common to see a Honu (Green Sea Turtle) or two slowly swimming by. These turtles use the beaches to bask, which means they haul themselves up onto the beach and rest for a few hours before returning to the ocean. One beach, Hale Honu, on the north side of Sand Island, is their favorite. Sometimes there are 15 to 20 turtles hauled up on the beach at the same time.
They sunbathe on the beach in order to regulate their body temperature. Baking can increase their body temperature which improves their digestion, boosts their immune system, and gives the turtles a chance to rest and conserve their energy. We are careful to avoid disturbing these turtles when they are hauled up on the beach because no one likes being woken up while at the spa.
This video was captured while swimming underneath and around Cargo Pier one day after work. Here is where we often see a Honu cruising by on their way to or from Hale Honu (House of the Sea Turtle). They float effortlessly and calmly in the water, especially compared to their labor intensive movements once they start to haul their weight up on the sands of Hale Honu.”
Under the sea video and post by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Volunteer Owen Sobel. You can view a lot of great videos by Owen while he has been on Midway Atoll via his Instagram account, @0utsidenowhere.
August 24, 2025
Your Sunday Moment with Mōlī and Emily on Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll).
Changing outfits and preparing for take-off!
“As time passes on for these growing Laysan chicks, sturdy sea-faring feathers begin to grow in and their down begins to drift away. Often resulting in hilarious hair-dos, Tom Selleck reminiscent “chest hair”, and inspiring new eye make-up, these keiki (children) are growing fast!
Once enough feathers have grown in and a gust of wind blows by, the Mōlī chicks stretch their wings and begin to flap, or rather, they try to. The mechanics of flying are not learned in one gust of wind, but rather weeks of muscle build up and trial-and-error. The chicks often run, skip, or hop to try and feel the wind beneath their wings while practicing, which is truly captivating to watch.
At this point in their life, the chicks have grown much more courageous, curious, and down right trifling at times! Make sure your shoe laces are double knotted when around these tiny hooligans. The soundtrack has changed in this stage, more reminiscent of “Carried Away” by Passion Pit, “Let’s Dance to Joy Division” by The Wombats, and “Midnight City” by M83
These birds are truly a delight to witness on Kuaihelani, and I am grateful for the privilege to witness them.” Video and post by FWS volunteer Emily McGuirt.
Special 
Addition!
YOU do NOT want to miss the Mōlī showing off their new chest feathers here!!!!
August 17, 2025
Your Sunday Morning Moment with Mōlī and Dan on Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll).
Sound 
!
Knowing a Mōlī (Laysan albatross) fledlging takes that final lift off is worthy of a celebration and a moment to say mahalo (thank you). This Sunday we mahalo you for your support and we mahalo the ocean for the marine life that nourishes each parent, so they can brood and feed their chick as well as themselves for a solid 5 months, if not more. And we mahalo the winds that came in August after the reported doldrums of July this year.
These lift offs give humans hope that we must be doing something right, so these beauties of the sea are able to come home again to islands safe from rats and the very invasive verbesina (golden crownbeard).
In this coming week’s newsletter, we will be sharing the fledging success data that is carefully captured over consecutive years in the study plots thanks to the volunteer crew. Sign up for our free newsletter subscription , or better yet, provide direct fledging support.
August 10, 2025
Your Sunday Morning Moment with Kioea and Emily McGuirt on Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll)
Kioea: The Bristle-Thighed Curlew
These beloved shorebirds find solace in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands after completing an arduous 2,500 mile journey from their nesting grounds in western Alaska. This journey is non-stop for these cinnamon-rumped feathered friends, a much needed vacation after a season on the Alaskan tundra. These birds acquired their name for the uniquely shaped feathers peeking around their upper legs.
I would like to imagine that these birds are fans of Steely Dan, particularly “Reelin’ in the years” or maybe even “Only a fool would say that”. Either way, I am getting serious Yacht Rock vibes from these delightful shorebirds.
These birds are truly a delight to witness on Kuaihelani, and I am grateful for the privilege to witness them.
All photos have been taken by Emily with a zoom camera lens to maintain a safe distance for the birds.
Admin. Note: These spectacular images were captured months ago on Kuaihelani. Today these birds are completing their guard duty to protect their little ones in western Alaska. The parents are now gaining 50% of their body weight to fuel their 2,500 miles non-stop flight back to Kuaihelani. Their young will follow weeks later. During this miraculous journey Kioea have been observed catching the tailwind of Kōlea (Pacific Golden Plover) as they both navigate to tiny islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Emily and her U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Volunteer crew will see these birds return before they themselves depart on a craft with wings in September.
August 3, 2025
Your Sunday Moment with ʻEkupuʻu and their translocation team on Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll).
Some of the ʻEkupuʻu (Laysan Finch) that were just translocated to Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll) didn't let tsunami waves mess with their nesting cycle. Just a few days ago a nest was found in the native plant ‘Āweoweo, a plant these birds have never seen before! And yesterday the translocation team found its first egg! As of yesterday another nest was under construction. Noted by a translocation team member, “Like so many endangered species, this one just needs a safe place to live.” Photos by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Volunteer Dan Rapp.
July 27, 2025
Your Sunday moment with Dan Rapp and ʻEkupuʻu on Manawai
This past week these endangered land birds were perhaps playing their version of king on the bucket on Manawai (Pearl and Hermes Reef). One hundred of their cousins took an ocean ride to Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll) within Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument where they were released back into their former home on Eastern Island.
Find out much more about this fascinating finch translocation project by visiting our blog.
July 20, 2025
Your Sunday Morning Moment with Emily and ‘Iwa on Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll)
These sea faring birds are often seen more as pirates and marauders, as they have a drastic tactic for a quick meal. These massive birds will target a bird such as a red-footed booby and begin to peck at or latch onto a wing, foot, or neck until the unfortunate bird vomits its stomach contents into the air. At this point the offending ‘Iwa will take the airborne feast for itself, earning the name “thief” in the Hawaiian language.
Although this tactic (kleptoparasitic behavior) is unique enough to inspire the bird's name, the majority of their food intake comes while they are out at sea. These towering buccaneers target fish, squid, and jellyfish while at sea, and are opportunistic feeders on land. Unfortunately the ‘Iwa will eat eggs and chicks of other birds, becoming the bogeyman of Kuaihelani.
If these magnificent seabirds had a soundtrack playing in their head, I would imagine it cycles through bands like Beastie Boys, Wu-Tang Clan, A Tribe Called Quest, and Aesop Rock. These birds are truly a delight to witness on Kuaihelani, and I am grateful for the privilege to witness them.
All photos have been taken by USFWS Volunteer Emily McGuirt with a zoom camera lens to maintain a safe distance for the birds.
July 13, 2025
Grab your cup of joe this Sunday morning and follow the zen-like work of out-planting native ʻāweoweo that supports wildlife on Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll). Featured in the video by Volunteer Coordinator Dan Rapp are Emily, Micah and Owen, the current 6-month volunteer crew.
‘Āweoweo or Hawaiian goose foot is also the name of the Hawaiian Bigeye fish. The ancient Hawaiian dualistic naming of species on land that is reflective of life at sea expresses the wisdom that all life is connected. Read a great article for more healthy enlightenment featuring Āweoweo.
By joining us as a member, you support the work of volunteers that give wildlife a fighting chance to thrive.
June 29, 2025
Your Sunday Morning Moment with Emily and Ā on Kuaihelani
Historically speaking Brown Boobies were once the most common of the booby species on Kuaihelani before human involvement led to their demise. There are currently around 12-15 active nests on Kuaihelani, and many of the breeding pairs are guarding eggs and chicks. The name ʻĀ is shared with other booby species due to their physical characteristics and it is the shortest name for a bird in the world. These chocolate-dipped seabirds are the perfect treat to observe soaring through the air or taking a well deserved rest.
If I were a Brown Booby I think I would prefer the artist Labi Siffre, with classic hits like “Cannock Chase” or “My Song”. Lighter notes with deeper meanings seem the right fit for these seabirds.
These birds are truly a delight to witness on Kuaihelani, and I am grateful for the privilege to witness them.
All photos have been taken on Eastern Island with a zoom camera lens to maintain a safe distance for the birds.
Special Note: Emily McGuirt is currently a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Volunteer on Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge. Discover more about her and her cohorts here.
June 22, 2025
Your Sunday Morning with Micah Kimura and Ka'upu chick on Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll).
“Coming to Kuaihelani I bring an open mind, a vast curiosity, and respect for the journeys of these creatures,” says Micah.
We usually showcase spectacular wildlife centric imagery for our Sunday morning post, but we also consider this human, the Friends of Midway Atoll co-sponsors, to be just that, pretty spectacular. Check out the gifts he brings to Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge. We are keeping fingers crossed that he may be sharing his underwater imagery here with you soon.
June 8, 2025
Your Sunday Morning Moment on Kuaihelani with Molly Henling.
What a privilege it is to watch albatross wings grow from mere inches to a full span capable of carrying them across oceans — and all the stages along the way.
A young mōlī (Laysan albatross) leans forward to stretch its wings, which are only a few inches long at this early stage this past winter. Today, adult mōlī soar across the lagoon with wings fully extended, showcasing their impressive span—typically reaching between 6 and 7 feet as they return to Kuaihelani to feed their almost fledged chick!
Post and photos by Molly Henling. Learn more about her and how she contributes to the volunteer program that keeps boots on the ground on Kuaihelani through funding provided by the Friends of Midway Atoll here.
June 1, 2025
Koa‘e Kea (White-tailed Tropicbird)
This seamless changeover is a quiet but powerful display of teamwork, Koa‘e Kea parents take turns guarding their precious egg, and this moment captures the graceful changeover. One parent departs, while the other settles in to keep the nest safe and warm.
Koa'e Kea prefer high altitude nest sites so the tall branch of an ironwood tree on Sand Island is just about as high as it gets on this relatively flat island. However, in the main Hawaiian Islands they prefer seaside cliff faces and crater walls where one can catch a laser-like streak of white soaring backlit by a volcanic crater.
May 25, 2025
Sea grapes are abundant throughout Midway, and as the fruit ripens to a rich, deep red, it drops from a bush. On this particular day, they appeared to be a favored snack for a Koloa Pōhaka (Laysan duck).
Note: For more information about Koloa Pōhaka visit our page here.
May 18, 2025
A feast on Kuaihelani! Ka'upu (black-footed albatrosses), both opportunistic scavengers and expert surface feeders, gather around a sperm whale carcass that washed ashore. While they typically hunt squid, fish, and crustaceans, they won’t pass up an unexpected bounty from the sea. Nature provides, and they make the most of it. Photos and post by former USFWS Volunteer Joe Owen.
Note from FOMA: Pictured is a sperm whale that washed ashore several months ago soon after an intact and fresh Blainesville's beaked whale skeleton washed ashore. Samples of the beaked whale including the head and organs were prepared by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff and volunteers and sent to the Hawai'i Institute for Marine Biology (HIMB) for analysis. The staff then buried the remains of the carcass so that nature could decompose the flesh. The skeleton was recently disinterred and bones sent to HIMB via vessel the last week of May for further analysis or educational use. January was a whale of a month!
May 11, 2025
Your Mother's Day Moment with Joe on Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll)
The bond between a Hawaiian monk seal pup and its mother is vital for survival. During the first five to six weeks of life, the pup nurses on its mother’s rich, fatty milk, which provides essential nutrients for rapid growth. This nursing period is crucial, as it helps the pup gain strength and fat reserves, ensuring it can thrive once it begins foraging on its own. The mother’s milk is packed with everything the pup needs to grow, gaining around 5 pounds a day, preparing it for life at sea. Photos and post by former USFWS Volunteer Joe from England.
May 4, 2025
Perched high in the bush tops on Eastern Island, this male ‘Iwa (Great Frigate Bird) puts on an incredible display during breeding season, inflating its bright red gular pouches like balloons to attract a mate. Along with bill-clapping, head-shaking, and wing-spreading, this courtship ritual is all about standing out! If a female is impressed, she’ll descend to join him and begin nesting. Photos and post by former U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Volunteer Joe Owen.
April 27, 2025
Manō lālākea (white-tipped reef shark) hang out among the protected reefs and they love sleeping in the shallows under the so-called Cargo Pier on Kuaihelani. Most sharks constantly move through the water in order to breath but manō lālākea can remain still on the seafloor and breathe by using its mouth to pump seawater through its gills. These sharks are known for their distinctive, white-tipped fins, they are non-aggressive and play an important role in maintaining the health of coral reef ecosystems.
April 13, 2025
While most albatross chicks are typically grey and black, leucism gives this one its striking, lighter plumage. This genetic condition reduces pigment, resulting in the pale feathers that make this chick truly unique. It is possible to tell the difference between leucistic and albinism; in this case, by the normal coloration of the chick's eye. Photos by FWS Volunteer Joe Owen/Courtesy Friends of Midway Atoll.
April 6, 2025
While the incredible birds and wildlife above the surface of Midway Atoll are well-known, there’s a whole other world beneath the waves that often goes unseen. The underwater environment is just as vibrant and full of life, with stunning colors, unique creatures, and a thriving ecosystem that most people never get to experience. From playful fish to delicate coral, the sea around the atoll is teeming with life every day, offering a peaceful and breathtaking view of nature’s wonders. Take a plunge with us and enjoy some of the amazing creatures and sights that make this place so special
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.
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 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 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 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
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.
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 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 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.
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.