» Services - Save Our Shearwaters.
We welcome our new SOS Coordinator of the Kaua'i Humane Society, Marie Morin, who took the reins in August. For more information on the program, contact her at 632-0610, 109.
Kaua'i: Where Seabirds Thrive
Kaua'i is still home to many species of seabirds that nest and raise their young in our mountain forests and coastal beaches. The absence of mongoose, unique in the state, has allowed many species of seabirds to survive on Kaua'i. On other islands, where there are large populations of mongoose, seabirds are absent, except in remote reserves or offshore islets.
When they leave their nests, seabird fledglings are guided by the light of the moon out to sea. Unfortunately, urbanization on Kaua'i has resulted in the ongoing fallout of fledgling seabirds on their first nocturnal flight from their nesting burrow to the sea. By eliminating stray light, we can reduce the number of young birds that get confused and fall inland rather than continue out to sea.
You can help reduce light attraction by:
- Turning off unnecessary outdoor lights, especially between Sept. 15 and Dec. 15.
- Replacing fixtures that scatter light in all directions -- such as globe and carriage lights -- with directional fixtures that point down and away from the beach.
- Shielding the light source. Materials such as aluminum flashing can be used to direct light where it is needed and keep it off the beach.
- Replacing white incandescent, fluorescent and high-intensity lighting with a maximum 40-watt yellow bug light.
- If you have large windows, draw drapes at night to keep interior lights from attracting the birds.
- If you live near a county ballpark, check your neighborhood for grounded seabirds. If the park is not in use, but the lights are still on, turn off the lights.
How to Rescue a Seabird
To prepare for seabird recovery, please follow these recommendations:
Keep an old towel and a ventilated cardboard box, pet carrier or other non-airtight container in your car. If you are on foot, just the towel will do.
If you find a downed bird, gently pick it up from behind with the towel, carefully wrapping the material completely around its back and wings. Place it in a container as soon as possible. Be aware of the shearwater's long, pointed bill. Don't be worried too much because the birds are usually docile, but wrapping the bird in a towel will protect you and the bird.
Keep the bird covered and in a quiet, shaded or cool location. Do not feed, water or handle it.
Take the downed bird to the Kauai Humane Society if possible. Otherwise take the bird to the nearest shearwater aid station right away (see the list at the bottom of the page to locate the aid station nearest to you). Remember, the Aid Stations are only available from Sept. 15 to Dec. 15.
Do not attempt to release the bird yourself. It may have internal injuries or be too tired or weak to survive. Throwing the bird into the air could cause more injury. Let the trained Save Our Shearwaters program staff examine the bird and decide when, where and how to let it go.
On the white board provided at the aid station, write information about where you found the bird. The best information would be a street address or street intersection, the number of a nearby utility pole or highway mile marker. If you are in a hurry, you can leave your telephone number so staff can call you to get additional information about the bird you found.
Kaua'i's Seabirds Still Need Your Help
Kauaians, you should be proud of yourselves. Since SOS was created by the state in 1979, volunteers and residents have collected 31,224 seabirds -- 92 percent of which were recovered and released.
In the past, up to 2,000 Newell's shearwaters -- mostly juveniles -- were picked up annually through the SOS program. Of these, 91 percent were released into the wild.
SOS Season
The SOS season begins in mid-September, when the first seabird fledglings begin to emerge from their nests. The Aid Stations are not available until after Sept. 15. The Newell's shearwater is the most commonly found grounded seabird during this period. The species can be easily distinguished by its 'formal wear' of black and white plumage, dark bill and pink legs with black toes.
For seabird emergencies call 635-5117.
Public SOS Aid Station Locations
Bringing the bird directly to the shelter during regular business hours is always the best first choice. We are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday through Monday.
North
Kilauea Medical Group
Princeville Fire Station
Hanalei Liquor Store
Central-East
Lihu'e Fire Station
Kapa'a Fire Station
Kaiakea Fire Station
Kauai Humane Society
West
Waimea Fire Station
Hanapepe Fire Station
Kalaheo Fire Station