Save Our Shearwaters

Shearwaters, Petrels Fledge
May need help
Septbember 15-December 15

From early October through mid December, multiple agencies are collaborating to help save the threatened Newell’s Shearwater and endangered Hawaiian Petrels during their fledging period. It’s a time when the birds are finding their way out to sea and may collide with manmade structures or become exhausted, disoriented and land, becoming targets for predators.

You can do your part by reducing light pollution, managing pets (keeping them inside or in enclosures at night) and by following three simple steps outlined by the SOS program if you find a downed bird.

If you find a downed bird, do the following:

1. Pick up the bird as safely and quickly as possible. Using a towel, jacket, t-shirt or other cloth is helpful to gently wrap the bird. Approach the bird from behind if possible and gently fold the wings closed with your hands. Place the bird in a ventilated box for transport to the aid station. Though shearwaters have a long, pointed bill, they are usually docile and easy to handle.  Gently covering the head (like a tent) and keeping voices down will help the bird remain calm and less stressed.

2. Take the bird to the nearest shearwater aid station--each of the Fire Stations on the island, as well as the, Hanalei Liquors,  Princeville Hotel, Northshore Pharmacy in Kilauea, Kalapaki Bay Marriott, Nawiliwili Harbor Security, the Poi’pu Grand Hyatt, and the Poi’pu Sheraton (If a bird is found on or around a Cruise ship, please bring the bird to the Harbor security gate where there is a seabird aid station).

3. Record the location and time where you found the bird as precisely as possible.

If you must keep the bird overnight, keep it in a ventilated cardboard box with a secure lid. Please keep the bird in a quiet, dark area and do not attempt to feed, handle, or release the bird.

SOS staff and/or a veterinarian need to evaluate the health of each bird. When each bird is ready to be released, they are brought to release boxes located on cliffs in Princeville, Lihu`e and on the South Shore. The birds jump off of their own accord and fly out to sea.

To help reduce the light pollution that attracts these rare, native birds, businesses and residents can turn out as many lights as possible, close your curtains at night, and install “seabird safe” lights and motion detectors.  We’ll all save energy, save money, and save Kaua’i’s native species.

For information, contact: 245-9160 or 346.3489; andrea.l.erichsen@hawaii.gov