Midway Atoll


		Midway Photography Tour Details
		Dates	TOUR 1: Mar 23–31, 2009 TOUR 2: Mar 30–Apr 7, 2009
		Leader	TOUR 1: Joe Van Os TOUR 2: Perry Conway
		Fee	$5,895 from Honolulu, Hawaii Includes charter airfare Permit approval pending
		Deposit	$800
		Limit	14
			Special Terms and Conditions Apply

Located 2,800 miles west-southwest of San Francisco, 2,200 miles east of Tokyo and 1,200 miles northwest of Honolulu, the Midway Islands were appropriately named for their strategic location at the midpoint of the Pacific Ocean. Migrating birds from the Arctic and throngs of nesting seabirds find refuge there as, formerly, did the US Navy. The naval presence focused a great deal of public attention on this isolated spot in the ocean and, indeed, Midway played a pivotal role in the outcome of World War II.

In spite of their disruption by war, the US Navy and several obsolete commercial interests on Midway, the birds have remained a constant and amazing presence. Sixteen different seabird species that number over two million birds nest on Midway Atoll each year, and of that number almost half a million are Laysan albatrosses. Considering the size of the tiny islands, this is a truly enormous population of breeding birds.

When Navy personnel encountered the Laysan albatross during World War II, the bird’s ungainly movements on land quickly earned it the nickname "Gooney Bird," and the name stuck. Adult Laysans can weigh more than seven pounds and have a wingspan of more than six feet. In the air the bird is supremely graceful, but on land it is awkward and unafraid, and visitors to the island have many close encounters.

Other photogenic island nesters include black-footed albatrosses (the world’s second largest colony is located here),

red-tailed and white-tailed tropicbirds, white (fairy) and sooty terns, black and brown noddies, red-footed and masked boobies and great frigatebirds. In addition, the clear waters in Midway’s lagoon are home to spinner dolphins and green sea turtles—endangered Hawaiian monk seals are frequently seen basking on the beaches.

Midway actually comprises two main islands—Sand Island and Eastern Island. Sand Island is approximately three square miles in size and is inhabited by birds,

humans—and more birds. Eastern Island is smaller and populated only by wildlife. Both were designated a National Wildlife Refuge in 1988. In 2006, Midway Atoll was named part of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument—recently renamed Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. It is the world’s largest marine protected area in the world.

Now, the old Navy barracks have been refurbished and visitors will be quite comfortable in the only remote island refuge in the Pacific Ocean that is accessible to photographers. Transportation is on foot, bicycle, or you can drive your photo gear in an electric golf cart, with albatross chicks being the only obstacles.

Join us for a week with the Gooney Birds in this remarkably remote part of the world. Few photographers have had access to such a rich variety of seabirds in one place and in relative comfort.

Day 1 (Mar 23 or 30)
Participants meet at the Honolulu airport for our late afternoon flight to Midway. Flight details will be furnished with our final tour information packet.

Day 2
This morning begins with an orientation, after which we photograph the multitude of birds and other wildlife. As with all of our Photo Safaris, early morning and evening light will be our prime photo times leaving midday for relaxing. (BLD)

Days 3–7
We have reserved golf carts for our group; for photographic flexibility, walking is another option. There are very few motorized vehicles on Midway and the primary obstacles for walkers or golf cart drivers are the albatrosses. On one of these days we visit Eastern Island, weather permitting. (BLD)

Day 8
We enjoy our last day on the island and then fly to Honolulu where we have reserved rooms near the airport. Our flight departs Midway in the evening. (BLD)

Day 9 (Mar 31 or Apr 7)
Depart for home at any time



	Joseph Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc. P.O. Box 655, Vashon Island, Washington USA 98070 Phone: (206) 463-5383 Fax: (206) 463-5484 Email: info@photosafaris.com Copyright © 2008, Joseph Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc.

Midway Atoll

Midway Photography Tour Details