americasgreatoutdoors:About halfway between Hawaii and American Samoa lies Palmyra Atoll National Wi
americasgreatoutdoors:About halfway between Hawaii and American Samoa lies Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge — a remote, tropical getaway. Palmyra Atoll consists of a circular string of about 50 islets nestled among several lagoons and encircled by 15,000 acres of shallow turquoise reefs and deep blue submerged reefs. The refuge’s lush vegetation supports over a million birds of 29 species — including the second largest red-footed booby colony in the world — and is the only nesting habitat for migratory seabirds and shorebirds within 450,000 square miles of ocean. Recreational diving and snorkeling programs offer visitors a chance to view the area’s colorful coral reef ecosystem, while hiking and kayaking tours give visitors the opportunity to see some of the refuge’s wildlife.Top photo: Palmyra Atoll refuge wetlands by USFWS.Middle photos (left to right): Strawn Island Lagoon by Laura M. Beauregard, USFWS. A Red-footed Booby at the refuge by Laura M. Beauregard, USFWS.Bottom photo: Colorful coral reef ecosystem at Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge. Photo by Jim Maragos, USFWS. -- source link