Playful Midway Atoll Laysan Albatross Phoebastria immutabilis

[DrGull1888]

Where were the parents? Doesn't the mother protect her chick?

[Lagolop]

These birds have no fear of humans. None at all. It's like on the Galapagos Islands, but even better. I suppose when the chicks first hatch the parents would be more protective. We saw no aggression towards us at all, in fact just the opposite. Most of the birds are very curious about ppl and will readily approach. The biggest issue on Midway is to make sure you avoid stepping on some creature. You have to watch very step you take :) Wife is going back this spring for another photo shoot.

[DrGull1888]

Midway is scarcely populated so it makes sense that those animals aren't afraid of humans. Are there any seals or sea lions? Are they as curious as the birds?

[Lagolop]

Yes, there are Monk seals ... VERY endangered. All animal life is curious on Midway. It's a fantastic place rarely visited. About 40 ppl live there year round to maintain the emergency runway and there is a full time ranger. Midway gets about 250 visitors each year (by permit). Lots of historical old buildings including those from WWII.

[DrGull1888]

I read that Midway is endangered by the great Pacific Garbage Patch. The idea of giant plastic islands covering huge parts of the ocean is creepy.

[Lagolop]

The amount of plastics that wash up is staggering. You are referring to the North Pacific Gyr, a swirling vortex of debris the size of Texas. The birds ingest it and also bring it back and feed it to the young. I have many photos that will break your heart. Decomposed bodies FILLED beyond belief with Bic lighters, razors and other crap:(

[DrGull1888]

I fear, according what we do to the planet, that we deserve famines and plagues for w are the main problem.

[Lagolop]

We are THE problem. No other species comes close to us in violence, greed and destruction.

[Lagolop]

The parents go out to sea to eat and get food for the young. Sometimes they are gone for 2 weeks!! On a given food foray, they can fly up to 7000 miles, unbelievable. They can actually sleep on the wing.

[Lagolop]

We went into the old WWII hanger and you can see the divots from gun fire in the steel rafters. Battle of Midway. It's a fantastic place and one I think you would love to see given your interest in history. I have several vids of Midway on the channel and I believe some have old building in them.