From the Rime of the Ancient Mariner to Hawaiian Shores

For millennia, voyagers have looked to the skies and manu (birds) for clues as to where they are and where they’re going. However, with loss of habitat, increase in pollution and a changing climate, many of our native birds are threatened.

One such bird is the moli or Laysan Albatross. This endangered bird soars throughout the north Pacific, with an incredible wingspan of up to 13 feet.  In a single day, a moli can fly as far as 2,000 miles in search of food.

Seeing a moli in flight is truly impressive. Instinctively understanding wind and ocean currents, the Laysan albatross can glide for hours or even days without so much as flapping its wings. Outside of breeding season, these “nomads of the seas” do not touch land, instead resting upon the water or sleeping while flying. While graceful in flight, on land the moli is very ungainly. Because of how they struggle to take off and land, the moli has earned the nickname goony bird.

Today, many issues have contributed to these majestic birds’ endangerment. From loss of habitat to being caught in driftnets to being collateral damage of long-line and trawling fishing practices, the moli numbers have declined dramatically.

In Hawai‘i, two of the largest threats to the moli include the ingestion of plastic and predation from dogs, cats and rats. However, there are some wonderful projects currently underway in the islands to restore their habitat and ensure a safe environment for their chicks. The work of these groups gives us hope that the species can be saved.