10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 9, 2014

There is a reason for that; until recently, the only place you could find them was on Laysan Island, a lonely island (with a lake) 808 nautical miles northwest of Honolulu, in the northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Birds aren’t the only animals who have made strong comebacks thanks to the Endangered Species Act.

Albatross 197

Albatross Endangered Species Bald Eagle Alaska 197

10,000 Birds

JUNE 12, 2018

These remote islands, some more than 1,000 miles from Honolulu, are home to huge globally-significant colonies of Laysan and Black-footed Albatross, among many others. Because Midway is home to endangered species ( e.g. , Laysan Duck, Hawaiian Monk Seal), FWS must also comply with the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

Mice 102

Mice Albatross Honolulu Rats 102

10,000 Birds

NOVEMBER 14, 2017

For example, the Endangered Species Act and Migratory Bird Treaty Act—America’s most important avian conservation laws—apply in both territories. For comparison: Atlanta to Denver is 1,200 miles, Atlanta to San Francisco is 2,100 miles, and Atlanta to Honolulu is 4,500 miles. Both territories are also part of the U.S.

Puerto Rico 146

Puerto Rico Virgin Islands Hawaii United States 146