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Each
fall the keiki of Kauais native seabirds fly to the ocean for
the first time using the moonlight on the sea to navigate their way.
Unfortunately on their way to the sea, they cross lands covered with
glaring lights. These endangered birds are attracted to the lights
and circle them until they are exhausted and/or injured during their
fall to the ground.
HOW
TO PREVENT LIGHT ATTRACTION

Good
Lights for Seabirds
The International
Dark-Sky Association has more information on sources for good lighting
RESCUE
FALLEN SEABIRDS
On Kauai Fire stations stand
ready to receive downed birds. You can do your part, too, by reducing
light pollution, managing pets, and following simple steps outlined
by the Save Our Shearwater (SOS) program if you find a downed bird.
- Keep
pets inside or in enclosed shelters at night during fledging season
- check
your lawn at night and in the morning for downed seabirds.
If you find a downed bird,
do the following:
Pick
up the bird from behind as soon as possible, using a towel ,t-shirt,
or cloth by gently wrapping it around its back and wings. Though it
has a long, pointed bill, shearwaters are usually docile and easy
to handle.
- Place the bird in a ventilated
cardboard box, pet carrier, or other container. Keep the bird covered
and in a quiet, shaded location.

- Do not feed, water, handle
or release the bird.
- Take the bird to the nearest
shearwater
aid station--each of the Fire Stations on the island, as
well as the
Northshore Pharmacy in Kilauea. If you must keep the bird overnight,
keep it in a ventilated cardboard box with a secure lid.
After
a veterinarian evaluates the birds and they are ready to be released,
theyre 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 go out to sea where they will live for approximately three years
before returning to the mountains where they were born to raise their
own family.
Contact Information:
Andrea Erichsen
Kauai Seabird Habitat
Conservation Plan Coordinator
Division of Forestry
and Wildlife
(808) 346-3489
E-mail: Andrea.L.Erichsen@Hawaii.gov
FIND OUT
MORE ABOUT HOW TO HELP
Contact Save
Our Shearwaters
(808) 639-2076
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