Each year hundreds of Newell’s shearwater (a’o) are attracted to and harmed by excessive nighttime lighting
The Hawaiian petrel (ua’u) is an endangered species that is
harmed by glaring lights.
Each
fall the keiki of Kauai’s 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
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, they’re 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
Heather Young: Coordinator
(808) 639-3343
Related Links