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Friends Of Midway Atoll (FOMA) @friendsofmidway.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

After hatching, young ‘ālo‘ilo‘i (Hawaiian Dascyllus) spend ~ 1 month drifting w/ocean currents before finding a branching coral to call home. There, they can hide from predators, feed on plankton & grow before joining schools of adults. Keegan Rankin, 2022 AmeriCorps/Kupu intern #Birds (not!)

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Friends Of Midway Atoll (FOMA) @friendsofmidway.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

We’re reminded that Pan Am made it possible to travel in 7 days from San Francisco to Hong Kong in 1937, only about 20 years after the beginning of commercial aviation.

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Friends Of Midway Atoll (FOMA) @friendsofmidway.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Manawai Goes Live Tomorrow 9/26 Manawai (Pearl and Hermes Atoll) is ~85 mi SE of Kuaihelani; the atolls share conservation connections. PMDP removed 50,000+ lbs of debris from Kuaihelani.Join PMDP crew LIVE at Manawai! Thursday 9/24, 1:00–1:45 PM PDT Find out about registration in comments. #Birds

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Friends Of Midway Atoll (FOMA) @friendsofmidway.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Sophie Elliott captured this gatekeeper of a “Do Not Enter” area on Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll) earlier this year.See more in comments. Make a donation today: friendsofmidway.org/fb-donate Explore more bird sightings from Kuaihelani on eBird: ebird.org/hotspot/L107... ____________________ #Birds

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Friends Of Midway Atoll (FOMA) @friendsofmidway.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

The next generation is discovering the wonder of #Birds & the natural world. At an Earth Day presentation, Dr. Jon Plissner encountered a young bird lover named Chiemelie, which inspired this story w/an albatross connection. Photo/art credits in comments friendsofmidway.org/inspiring-th...

Top: artwork
I’m up Kai Alexander, 2026

Bottom: Dr. Jon Plissner w/ albatross on his hat

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Friends Of Midway Atoll (FOMA) @friendsofmidway.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Adopt an albatross: Oceanic Society partners w/FOMA to help conservation efforts on Midway Atoll. An albatross adoption is fun& meaningful as it helps support projects protecting Midway’s wildlife. #Birds Learn more: www.oceanicsociety.org/adopt/adopt-... Photo courtesy of Jeff Kuwabara.

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Friends Of Midway Atoll (FOMA) @friendsofmidway.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

6-Month Volunteers saved >80 Koloa pōhaka (Laysan Ducks) from botulism, removed invasive Verbesina, banded albatross chicks & cared for White Tern chicks. See more in comments. #Birds Your support helps sustain the volunteer program’s conservation work. friendsofmidway.org/donate-and-s...

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Friends Of Midway Atoll (FOMA) @friendsofmidway.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

Thanks to volunteer Colleen for capturing pics of a Uʻaukani (Wedge-tailed Shearwater) chick. Uʻaukani lay eggs in June; chicks hatch mid-August. This is a time of growing shearwater chicks across Kuaihelani! Every chick represents another generation of seabirds calling Kuaihelani home. #Birds

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Friends Of Midway Atoll (FOMA) @friendsofmidway.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

GUESS the number! The 2026 summer crew (Greta, Colleen, Sam & Crew Lead Molly) helped w/albatross chick banding, collecting info for long-term research & monitoring. How many albatross chicks do YOU think a team of 4 banded? Drop your guess in the comments! We’ll reveal the answer soon. #Birds

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Friends Of Midway Atoll (FOMA) @friendsofmidway.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Mahalo, 2026 Summer Volunteer Crew! Greta Wasler, Sam Baxter-Bray, and Colleen McDonough spent 6 mo in conservation work w/Molly Heling, Volunteer Crew Lead. Manu-o-Kū (White Tern) chicks required close observation and attention as they developed toward fledging. See more in comments. #Birds

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Friends Of Midway Atoll (FOMA) @friendsofmidway.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

A big thank you to former 6-month volunteer, Emily Onderbeke, for sharing these peaceful views of Kuaiehalni (Midway Atoll). The photos may have been taken back in 2020, but we assert that the incredible scenery hasn't changed at all! #Birds

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Friends Of Midway Atoll (FOMA) @friendsofmidway.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

Nikki Preston, a 6-month volunteer on Kuaihelani in '24-'25, took time to share some of the wildlife she encountered: Hybrid Laysan and Black-footed albatrosses! Not seen often, so when we get a glimpse, it's truly a special sighting! #Birds

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Friends Of Midway Atoll (FOMA) @friendsofmidway.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗛 — 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟴 🥇 Sam Loest — 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘊𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘴 🥈 Brianne Khil — 𝘎𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘍𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘣𝘪𝘳𝘥 💙 People’s Choice — Kai Alexander — 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘍𝘭𝘰𝘢𝘵𝘴 𝘏𝘦𝘳𝘦 🌟 Honorable Mention — Shay & Owen Rempfer #Birds 𝗠𝗔𝗛𝗔𝗟𝗢 to all our young artists. See comments for link to submissions in both categories.

Colorful Creatures (Under Age 18 Art Contest Winner FOMA 2026)

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Friends Of Midway Atoll (FOMA) @friendsofmidway.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

𝗔𝗗𝗨𝗟𝗧 — 𝟭𝟴+ 🥇 Nadia Borg — 𝘈𝘭𝘣𝘢𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘴 𝘌𝘺𝘦𝘴 🥈 Aves Gill — 𝘛𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘣𝘪𝘳𝘥𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘒𝘶𝘢𝘪𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘪 💙 People’s Choice — Deepti Jain — 𝘓𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘢𝘵 𝘈𝘵𝘰𝘭𝘭 #Birds Explore all 61 submissions, including descriptions from the artists: 2026 Art Contest Winners & All Submissions: friendsofmidway.org/2026-art-con...

Albatross Eyes (Adult Winner 2026 FOMA Art Contest)’

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Friends Of Midway Atoll (FOMA) @friendsofmidway.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

Manu-o-Kū (White Tern) don’t build nests, they lay a single egg on a small branch, tree hollow, rocky ledge, or even human-made structures around Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll). A safe home might not need walls. Thanks, Dan Rapp. Have you ever seen a bird nest in such an unprotected place? #Birds

Focus on white tern’s chick on ledge, Midway.

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Friends Of Midway Atoll (FOMA) @friendsofmidway.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is hiring a Volunteer Crew Leader for Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge), six-month leadership role. See comments. #Birds Applicants must qualify at the GS-7 level; closing August 6! Read more & apply here: 🔗 friendsofmidway.org/now-hiring-v...

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Friends Of Midway Atoll (FOMA) @friendsofmidway.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

#TBT It's been over 10 years since the Battle of Midway memorial was installed on Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll). See more in comments. #Birds Read the marker's full inscription and learn more: www.abmc.gov/history/disc... Photos by Bret Wolf and Dan Rapp

Battle of Midway memorial stone installed 2016, Midway Atoll

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Friends Of Midway Atoll (FOMA) @friendsofmidway.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

Endangered Species Act Protections Changed July 14, 2026, regulatory definition of “harm” rescinded. #Birds See more in comments. You can help: lnkd.in/ghpH7mYy Would you consider a contribution: lnkd.in/gQ-J9gTA Photos on Midway Atoll courtesy of USGS and Jon Plissner

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Friends Of Midway Atoll (FOMA) @friendsofmidway.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

Meet two more 2026 Art Contest judges! Last chance to enter is today. #Birds Mahalo to Caren Loebel-Fried and Wayne Sentman for sharing their time and expertise with this year's contest! Submit here: friendsofmidway.org/2026-art-con...

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Friends Of Midway Atoll (FOMA) @friendsofmidway.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

Back as a judge is J. Hauʻoli Lorenzo-Elarco. Ass’t Prof of Hawaiian language at Honolulu Community College. He is also the coordinator of the Papahānaumokuākea Native Hawaiian Cultural Working Group (CWG), and serves as the chair of the Nomenclature Subcommittee. #Birds

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Friends Of Midway Atoll (FOMA) @friendsofmidway.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

New Advocacy Resource! Help Protect Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll) On 7/11/26, a Presidential Proclamation removed prohibitions on commercial fishing in portions of PapahānaumokuākeaYour voice can help before new regs are final. See details in comments. #Birds Photos Andrew Sullivan-Haskins & Dan Rapp

Albatross (l) and sea turtles (r) on Midway

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Friends Of Midway Atoll (FOMA) @friendsofmidway.bsky.social · 12/07/2026

Káupu (Black-footed albatross) & mōlī (Laysan albatross) chicks heading out to sea for the first time. #Birds See comment for note by FWS Volunteer Crew Lead Molly Henling! Watch fledglings live: friendsofmidway.org/live-cam Help FOMA keep the camera streaming: friendsofmidway.org/live-cam-mem...

Albatross fledglings testing their wings on Midway

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Friends Of Midway Atoll (FOMA) @friendsofmidway.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

Independence Day 1942 saw quiet determination. President Roosevelt reminded all that freedom was being defended not w/celebration alone, but thru sacrifice, service, & resolve.More: friendsofmidway.org/a-reflection... A meaningful and safe Independence Day! Photo: Coast Guard 5th NYC 7/4/42 Getty

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Friends Of Midway Atoll (FOMA) @friendsofmidway.bsky.social · 28/06/2026

Tracking Tiny #Birds Former USFWS volunteer Sophie Elliott: “Finding out where & how far birds go to find food…[We tagged] ʻAkihikēʻehiʻale (Tristram's storm-petrels) on Eastern Island…The tiny tags are gently taped to the bird's tail feathers.” See comments. Photos Sophie Elliott and Dan Rapp

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Friends Of Midway Atoll (FOMA) @friendsofmidway.bsky.social · 27/06/2026

FOMA Art Contest OPEN! #Birds Artists of all ages are invited; 2nd Annual Friends of Midway Atoll Art Contest. Two categories: • Youth (Under 18) • Adults (18+) Submission window: June 15 – July 15, 2026 Guidelines & rules: lnkd.in/gNnqwPNR Submit your artwork here: lnkd.in/gs5XJG3w

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Friends Of Midway Atoll (FOMA) @friendsofmidway.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

World Honu Day; Hawaiian green sea turtle is a protected Endangered Species. See comments. friendsofmidway.org/celebrating-... Photos: USFWS Recovery Permits TE72088A-3,TE163899-2, NOAA Permit 21260, HI Lands & Natural Resources Special Activity Permit 2026-01, USFWS Recovery Permit TE-163899-2

Top: turtle baskingBottom: investigation per regulation

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Friends Of Midway Atoll (FOMA) @friendsofmidway.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

Art Contest OPEN thru July 15! Show us your Kuaihelani: paint, pencil, ink, or mixed media. Categories: Over 18/Under 18 Rules, guidelines & submission: friendsofmidway.org/foma-art-con... Below from FOMA's 2025 Art Contest by Juliana Ramirez, Shay Rempfer, Christine Ogura, Sarah Donahue #Birds

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Friends Of Midway Atoll (FOMA) @friendsofmidway.bsky.social · 14/06/2026

Wisdom's Grand-chick HH33 (offspring of N333) banded by Acting Refuge Manager Rob Vinson and Volunteer Crew Lead Molly Henling. See comments. Join in conservation: friendsofmidway.org/fb-donate-me... Wisdom's lineage: friendsofmidway.org/wisdoms-line... HH33 growing: youtu.be/ZW8gHzCVBwU #Birds

Banding a descendent of Wisdom on Midway Atoll

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Friends Of Midway Atoll (FOMA) @friendsofmidway.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

National Wildlife Refuges—including Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll)—need your voice. See more in comments. #Birds Take a few minutes. -Enter your address -Personalize the message (optional) -The system finds your members of Congress & sends. Click the link; make your voice heard. lnkd.in/g7gb5c_y

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Friends Of Midway Atoll (FOMA) @friendsofmidway.bsky.social · 07/06/2026

Current six-month volunteer Colleen McDonough captured a pair of ʻUaʻu kani and (Wedge-tailed Shearwaters). “Their round, soft bodies, faces that look like they're smiling, and the way they cuddle up together under the dense naupaka... utterly adorable! They perform courtship preening….” #Birds

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Friends Of Midway Atoll (FOMA) @friendsofmidway.bsky.social · 06/06/2026

84th Anniversary, Battle of Midway, June 4-6. In 2024, Friends of Midway Atoll partnered w/freelance photographer Jon Brack to explore the National Archives in D.C. #Birds Today, we share images honoring courage, sacrifice & everyday life. Find more exclusive photos on our blog: lnkd.in/gRCYnv2V

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Friends Of Midway Atoll (FOMA) @friendsofmidway.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

FOMA's Art Contest! Two categories: Over 18 and Under 18 Submissions open June 15 - July 15 First, Second and People's Choice winners Up to 3 pieces of artwork per artist. Every entrant receives FREE one-year membership to FOMA. Rules, guidelines & prizes: friendsofmidway.org/foma-art-con...

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Friends Of Midway Atoll (FOMA) @friendsofmidway.bsky.social · 31/05/2026

ʻĀ (Red-footed Booby) nesting in naupaka on Eastern Island in April 2026 (thanks Sophie Elliott) at eye level. #Birds Fun fact: ʻĀ are the only booby species that nest almost exclusively in shrubs & trees.

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Friends Of Midway Atoll (FOMA) @friendsofmidway.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

Translocation/regeneration. Young finches newly hatched; parents translocated from Manawai (Pearl and Hermes Atoll) in July 2025 — evidence that this historic conservation effort is succeeding. More in comments. Photos by Dan Rapp / USFWS #Birds Translocation in action: lnkd.in/gtwvP7Kb

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Friends Of Midway Atoll (FOMA) @friendsofmidway.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

Memorial Day flag-raising at the Battle of Midway National Memorial honored the brave men and women of the armed forces who made the ultimate sacrifice. More in comments. #Birds Mahalo to Dan Rapp for sharing these meaningful images from Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge.

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Friends Of Midway Atoll (FOMA) @friendsofmidway.bsky.social · 24/05/2026

6-month volunteer Sam graduated from UC Santa Cruz last year; worked w/sea #Birds on Southeast Farallon Island (CA). Donations sustain Kuaihelani’s 6-month volunteers dedicating time. See comments re shoes! Help continue the conservation efforts on Kuaihelani: friendsofmidway.org/fb-donate-me...

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Friends Of Midway Atoll (FOMA) @friendsofmidway.bsky.social · 24/05/2026

From Kuaihelani: ‘Ā — the Hawaiian name used for booby species in the islands, believed to derive from the bird’s guttural calls. See more in comments. #Birds View our blog post for previous Sunday Morning Moments: friendsofmidway.org/your-sunday-...

Moli diving head breaking surface of water

Moli diving under the surface of the ocean

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Friends Of Midway Atoll (FOMA) @friendsofmidway.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

Here’s current volunteer Greta, who studied Public Health at Westminster College (UT) & has experience with #Birds & fieldwork. “[M]y volunteer role has been a privilege: …forming a…connection to such a unique & historically significant place, & learning from dedicated researchers….”

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Friends Of Midway Atoll (FOMA) @friendsofmidway.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

Meet current 6 month volunteer Colleen: “I…studied environmental science at U of FL. I…was particularly obsessed with albatrosses…& hope to continue working w/ albatrosses after Midway & research their behavior in grad school. TY so much to FOMA, my amazing crew lead Molly, & USFWS staff….” #Birds

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Friends Of Midway Atoll (FOMA) @friendsofmidway.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

Kaʻupu (Black-footed Albatross) chicks on Kuaihelani are practicing wing flaps. New feathers replace soft down; entire colonies erupt into synchronized flapping as chicks test the winds. Mahalo nui loa to Dan Rapp for this glimpse into Kuaihelani’s #Birds friendsofmidway.org/fb-donate-me...

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Friends Of Midway Atoll (FOMA) @friendsofmidway.bsky.social · 17/05/2026

Annual FOMA Art Contest! Thru 7/15, celebrate Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll). Whether inspired by albatross, marine life, history/culture, or landscapes of the Islands, bring attention to one of the most remote refuges on Earth. More in comments. Guidelines: friendsofmidway.org/foma-art-con... #Birds

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Friends Of Midway Atoll (FOMA) @friendsofmidway.bsky.social · 03/05/2026

Former Midway volunteer Sophie Elliott’s glimpse into albatross chick season shows a special part of Midway life! Young chicks are often so round and heavy when they first leave the nest that they drag their bellies through the sand, leaving smooth little trails between their footprints. #Birds

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Friends Of Midway Atoll (FOMA) @friendsofmidway.bsky.social · 02/05/2026

Volunteers, new Storytelling Initiative. More in comments. #Birds We welcome three new volunteers who will remain through September: Colleen McDonough, Greta Wasler, & Sam Baxter-Bray. We also extend gratitude to departing volunteers Ayla Liss, Gianna Arcuri, Katie Hearther, & Sophie Elliott.

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Friends Of Midway Atoll (FOMA) @friendsofmidway.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

Current volunteers track albatross chicks using temporary colored bands—matching chicks back to its nest as each explores. They also check feather development (fluffy to fully feathered) before chicks are ready for their permanent bands. Their detailed, hands-on work makes a lasting impact. #Birds

Laysan albatross chick with temporary leg band

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Friends Of Midway Atoll (FOMA) @friendsofmidway.bsky.social · 26/04/2026

Mother’s Day cards & more:one w/Wisdom & chick,another w/artwork by Sheldon Plentovich. Also tumbler featuring her artwork & FOMA logo.Each honors Mom & supports Kuaihelani. Available until May 15!(allow up to 10 business days for delivery) Mahalo for supporting Midway fomastore.printful.me #Birds

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Friends Of Midway Atoll (FOMA) @friendsofmidway.bsky.social · 25/04/2026

Tomorrow! Drones Over Kuaihelani, 2:00 PM PT / 5:00 PM ET. Biologist and drone operator Anna Vallery on drone technology transforming seabird monitoring on Midway Atoll, w/live Q&A. All who sign up will receive access to the recording: friendsofmidway.org/register-for... #Birds

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Friends Of Midway Atoll (FOMA) @friendsofmidway.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

Earth Day is Every Day at Kuaihelani From seabirds to seep cleans, daily conservation work keeps Midway’s ecosystem thriving—thanks to dedicated USFWS volunteers. Our limited Earth Day shirt is available through April 30 #Birds Support the work. Wear the message. Shop now: fomastore.printful.me

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Friends Of Midway Atoll (FOMA) @friendsofmidway.bsky.social · 19/04/2026

Koloa pōhaka (Laysan Ducks) rely on freshwater seeps and guzzlers. Every FOMA membership supports the continued return of volunteers who perform essential conservation tasks — keeping fresh water available and protecting wildlife at Kuaihelani. 💙 Join friendsofmidway.org/fb-donate-me... #Birds

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Friends Of Midway Atoll (FOMA) @friendsofmidway.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

Wisdom’s Grandchick Son N333 (2011) has a chick of his own (Feb 2026). This offspring is already banded—a small tool that helps important work: tracking & protecting seabirds over time. Soft feathers. Strong legacy. #Birds Learn more about Wisdom's legacy: friendsofmidway.org/wisdoms-line...

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