iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Friends Of Midway Atoll (FOMA) @friendsofmidway.bsky.social · 5h

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!)

0296

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.

031

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

👉 Register and submit your questions to the PMDP team: friendsofmidway.org/pmdp-manawai... Learn more about the event through PMDP’s event page: friendsofmidway.org/pmdp-manwai-...

010

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

140

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

Albatross typically begin returning late Oct/early Nov—but FWS staff and volunteers reported a single, early sighting 9/6/26, a reminder that observation/data collection are important. FOMA’s support of the 6-mo volunteer program helps conservation projects, wildlife monitoring, & data collection.

040

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

1172

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

1102

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.

0155

Friends Of Midway Atoll (FOMA) @friendsofmidway.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

FOMA store’s new items include youth hoodies/shirts, cross-body bags, can coolers & more! Favorites remain; more new to come! >Your purchase helps support Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll). All profits go toward conservation efforts on the island you love. #Birds Shop now: friendsofmidway.org/shop-2/

friendsofmidway.org

FOMA Online Store

Show your love and support for Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge! Check out our online store via Printful, with all kinds of products, including tote bags, beanies, and coffee mugs, and more. O…

030

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...

190

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

Generally USFWS air charter on its regular circuit.

010

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

0235

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

0172

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

Eventually, after fledging, they’ll follow the adults out to sea, and learn to find food for themselves. Helping these chicks reach that next stage was just one part of a meaningful season of volunteer service.

040

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

2112

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

0133

Friends Of Midway Atoll (FOMA) @friendsofmidway.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Chondria tumulosa? Researchers are using marine robotics, hyperspectral imaging and aerial drones to better understand and combat this invasive algae threatening coral. Discover what scientists are testing—and what could come next: friendsofmidway.org/technology-c...

friendsofmidway.org

051

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

0120

Friends Of Midway Atoll (FOMA) @friendsofmidway.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

FOMA seeks new Board members: people with creative energy, expertise, connections, & a passion for supporting Midway Atoll. #Birds We’re recruiting volunteers, too! Use the same application to share your skills and talents. 📅 Apply by Sept. 7, 2026 🔗 friendsofmidway.org/2026-board-r...

friendsofmidway.org

Call for Board Member Applications

Are you interested in supporting Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge/Battle of Midway National Memorial? We encourage you to apply for a position on the board of directors of the Friends of Midwa…

042

Friends Of Midway Atoll (FOMA) @friendsofmidway.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

Sunday Morning video filmed in the dark—special moment from June ‘26 by Dan Rapp. A rare close-up of a Nunulu (Bonin Petrel) chick preparing to fledge. Since Nunulu nest in burrows, they’re difficult to film. #Birds youtu.be/Vt7c16_MfXY

youtu.be

Close Up of a Fledging Nunulu (Bonin Petrel)

YouTube video by Friends of Midway Atoll NWR

051

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)

1100

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)’

0100

Reposted by Friends Of Midway Atoll (FOMA)

U.S. Naval Institute @usni.org · 04/08/2026

On this day in 1790, Congress authorized the first 10 revenue cutters—the beginning of today's U.S. Coast Guard. Discover how Alexander Hamilton's vision helped build America's oldest continuous sea service. ow.ly/UHtE50Zvem8 #USCGBirthday #USCG

ow.ly

To Raise Revenue and Unify the Country

The Revenue Cutter Service, the original incarnation of the U.S. Coast Guard, was conceived and created by Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton—but not without political pushback.

1204

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.

0184

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

Brett, thanks. The jacket is in response to the “hair.” That’s actually what some fledglings look like as they start to lose their baby plumage in chunks! — Bill Levin, FOMA.

110

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

Role includes: Leading a team of volunteers Monitoring seabirds Restoring native habitat & propagating plants Removing marine debris & invasive species Collecting field data & supporting wildlife conservation =>GS-7 level<= (specialized experience, related graduate education, or combination).

041

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...

1102

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

Vote for People's Choice winners of FOMA’s 2026 Art Contest. Submissions narrowed from 61; choose favorite in Over 18 and Under 18 categories. #Birds One vote per person per category. Voting ends Aug. 5 at 11:59 p.m. HST: friendsofmidway.org/Peoples-Choi... friendsofmidway.org/Peoples-Choi...

friendsofmidway.org

2026 FOMA Art Contest: People's Choice Voting Over 18 Category

Mahalo to all of our artists for their beautiful artwork! These represent the top 10 chosen by the members in the Art Committee & judges, which was no easy task. We ask that you vote for one artwork s...

041

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

Rachel Neville Jan 2016: “The American Battle Monuments Commission installed… [a] durable concrete mosaic…designed to withstand Midway's harsh conditions for years to come. The Harbor Marker is installed in a suitable location to honor the submariners who were lost in World War II.”

030

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

191

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

This change removes the ESA’s regulatory definition of “harm” from the Code of Federal Regulations and could impact threatened and endangered species that call Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument and Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll) home.

020

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

161

Friends Of Midway Atoll (FOMA) @friendsofmidway.bsky.social · 19/07/2026

Mōlī (Laysan albatross) fledgling is ready for takeoff… Captured in slow-mo by USFWS biologist & volunteer Dan Rapp. #Birds youtu.be/m7GJu9blzuo

youtu.be

Mōlī (Laysan albatross) Practices Flying with a Fabulous Hairdo!

YouTube video by Friends of Midway Atoll NWR

0102

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...

051

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

020

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

Learn what's happening, how it could affect Kuaihelani, and how to submit your public comment by visiting FOMA's new advocacy page: 👉 friendsofmidway.org/take-action-... Every comment becomes part of the official public record. Thank you for standing with us.

010

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

194

Reposted by Friends Of Midway Atoll (FOMA)

Surfrider Foundation @surfrider.org · 13/07/2026

Not all “eco-friendly” straws are created equally. This Plastic Free July, we’re going deeper than the label. We sat down with Dr. Bryan James, a materials engineer and Assistant Professor at Northeastern University, to learn about the science behind the straw.

123

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

FWS Volunteer Crew Lead Molly Henling shared: "Watching the chicks fledge is an incredibly joyous experience... We are sad to see them go but ecstatic to watch them succeed. We all hope that one day, maybe in 5–7 years, we shall see them again."

030

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

1112