Please be advised that Save Our Shearwaters is a rehabilitation facility that handles injured, sick, and orphaned native birds on Kaua'i. Issues regarding wildlife management, private property concerns, lighting complaints, etc. are not within our purview. Please refer to our Statewide Wildlife Contacts section to reach the appropriate contact for those concerns. Mahalo!

Save Our Shearwaters can only rehabilitate native species. If you are concerned about a bird or are unsure of the species please call the SOS hotline at (808) 635-5117 before picking up the bird.

Found an Injured Native Bird?

Tips for Rescuing Birds

  • Keep an old clean towel and a ventilated cardboard box, pet carrier or other non-airtight container in your car.

  • Gently pick the bird up from behind with a towel, carefully wrapping the bird completely around its back, wings, and head. Watch the beak! It can be sharp and powerful.

Please always call the SOS Hotline - (808) 635-5117 - BEFORE attempting to capture a bird. We will help identify the species, assess whether or not the bird should be captured, gather location details, and guide you to the nearest aid station. This helps prevent us from receiving birds we cannot legally care for (see injurious species policy) as well as prevent accidental bird-napping of heathy shearwaters.

Next, you can ideally take the bird to directly to our facility if possible (7370 Kuamoʻo Rd, Kapaʻa, HI 96746). If you are unable to bring the bird to SOS, drop the bird off at the nearest aid station (listed below). Remember, aid stations are only available from September 15 to December 15. However, all fire stations are provided with pet carriers in the off-season so that native birds can be dropped off year-round.

North

Hanalei Fire Station

Central-East
Lihu’e Fire Station
Kapa’a Fire Station
Kaiakea Fire Station

West
Waimea Fire Station
Hanapepe Fire Station
Kalaheo Fire Station 

South
Koloa Fire Station

  • Do not handle the bird unnecessarily, they are easily stressed and can overheat.

  • Keep the bird covered and in a quiet, shaded or cool location.

  • Do not give food or water to the bird.

  • 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.

An example of a cardboard box set up for bird transport, ensure top is properly closed during transport.