Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 30, Number 3, 1 March 2013 — WISDOM LAYS AN EGG [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

WISDOM LAYS AN EGG

The world's oldest known wild bird, a Laysan albatross called "Wisdom," left, hatched a ehiek on Midway Atoll Nahonal Wildlife Refuge for the sixth consecutive year. The ehiek hatched on Feb. 3. Wisdom is believed to be at least 62 years old and was first banded in 1956 while incubating an egg in the same area of the refuge. "Everyone continues to be inspired by Wisdom as a symbol of hope for her species," said Doug Staller, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service superintendentfor Papahānaumokuākea Marine Nahonal Monumenh Officials estimate Wisdom has raised at least 30 to 35 chicks during her breeding life. Albatross lay only one egg a year, but it takes mueh of the year to incubate and raise the ehiek. Midway Atoll hosts the world's largest albatross colony. In this Nov. 29, 201 2, photo, Wisdom attempted to nudge her mate off the nest for her turn at incubating the couple's egg. - Courtesy: Pete Leary/USFWS