Meet our friends the Laysan albatross

The Laysan albatross, known as Mōlī in Hawaiian, are magnificent seabirds that range across the North Pacific. Though they mainly nest in the Northwest Hawaiian Islands on Midway Atoll and Laysan Island, we're fortunate to have a small colony on the bluff fronting our Noni orchards. 

Genuine Lovebirds
These magnificent seabirds are monogamous and pairs mate for life. Engaging in elaborate dances, they perform around twenty-four distinct moves that are intricately combined into a unique sequence for each couple.

Long lifespans
The oldest known banded bird in the wild is a female Laysan albatross named Wisdom. She nests on Midway Atoll, is at least 74 years old and has laid an egg this season once again. 

Experts in the air
Laysan albatross spend about 90% of their lives airborne and fly at speeds up to 50 miles per hour. They can stay airborne for days, navigating with half their brain while the other half sleeps.

Adorable Chicks
They hatch the cutest chicks! With your help we select a superstar each season and follow their journey from hatch to fledge. 

We are so EXCITED to share all the happenings of this year's nesting season with you!

November 2024

The wait is finally over—our first arrivals have touched down on the bluff for nesting season 2025. The first day there were 2, the next day 4, then 7, then 20 and after two weeks over 50 have arrived with more arriving daily.

From mid November through early December our nesting pairs return from months of solitude at sea. The males typically arrive first and await the arrival of their mate. Many of you will remember our infamous Curious Al, the Papa bird who undershot his landing a few years back and touched down outside the Noni office. He was one of the first two birds to arrive back this season.

Curious Al has arrived on the bluff

Pairs have spent months apart at sea and are delighted to see each other. They spend hours snuggling, dancing and preening each other. They discuss their nest site for the season, mate and once again depart solo for sea to feed.

Reunited pair snuggled up

The female will return first, build their nest at their agreed upon location and lay their one egg for the season. She then patiently awaits the return of her mate for his shift on egg incubation duty. 

The males arrive back from feeding within about a week excited to see their egg. We always hope he's returned with ample food in his belly as his shift on the egg can last 4 weeks or more. During this time he will be fasting on the food in his belly and hydrating by drinking rain from passing showers. 

December 2024

We've set a new record with 31 nests in the colony this season! The window for egg-laying is quickly closing and egg candling and egg adoption day are just around the corner. Stay tuned for final nest counts and adoption day news. 

What are you most excited or interested to see this season? Comments or Questions below :)