Magic of Midway, a presentation video (12:00 min) (Also on YouTube)
I have created a presentation about Midway Atoll and it's wildlife, featuring photography and footage I have created while there. Laysan Albatross is the most famous resident there, along with many other bird species, monk seals, and sea turtles. It is a place where time stops and one has time to ponder the meaning of life.
Laysan Albatross and other avifauna are under threat from sea level rise, plastic pollution, and mice infestations. There is a project underway, which has been successfully translocating chicks from Midway into a protected area in Hawaii, to establish a new colony on higher ground.
Nearly two million birds of 19 species nest on Midway. The atoll has the largest Laysan albatross colony in the world. Other birds include black-footed albatross, red-tailed tropicbirds, white terns, black and brown noddies, shearwaters, and Bonin petrels. One of the rarest visitors is the endangered short-tailed albatross.
During World War II, Midway served as an important naval air station and submarine refit base. The atoll was attacked twice, first on December 7th, 1941, and again during the pivotal Battle of Midway, June 4th-6th 1942..
Albatross parents exchanging egg incubation duties. (1:40min) (Also on YouTube)
On date of our departure, while chasing after some last minute photos, I witnessed this albatross couple exchanging sweet nothings, while switching guard. As each parent has to go eat/forage hundreds of miles away at sea, the other one incubates the egg in the meantime. When the partner returns, it is time to prove that he/she is worthy to take over the nesting duties. It can take days for them to switch. As I was hiding from heavy rain, I saw this happening, set up my tripod and took many videos of these two interacting. I am sure they will be great parents!
"Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies". Aristotle (1:00 min) (Also on YouTube)
On Midway Atoll we were fortunate to witness the only Short-tailed Albatross called "Lonesome George" and his new friend/possible mate.
Without genetic testing, it is almost impossible to know in these birds, who is male or female and we will not know for certain until they lay an egg.
For now, George is no longer lonesome. This is the only pair of this species on the island.
Without genetic testing, it is almost impossible to know in these birds, who is male or female and we will not know for certain until they lay an egg.
For now, George is no longer lonesome. This is the only pair of this species on the island.
Burrowing Owl scoping out the scene at sunrise. (30 sec) (Also on YouTube)
Burrowing Owl sunning itself on a chilly March morning, before his shift as the Guardian of the Nest. I spent couple days observing and photographing these little owls in the Gulf Coast of Florida. Florida burrowing owls live on empty lots, golf courses or next to libraries and sport fields. "The burrowing owl faces many threats to its population. The main threat is the continued loss of habitat. Threats to habitat include construction activities, development and harassment by humans and domesticated animals". (https://lnkd.in/eUp6pyj)
