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Left to right: An' 'ua'u / Hawaiian Petrel, koloa / Hawaiian Duck, 'ua'u kani / Wedge-tailed Shearwater. |
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Happy New Year! It was a big year for us at SOS. We provided professional, rehabilitative care to over 550 native birds (and one native bat!) in 2023. We owe our ability to care for these individuals to the helping hands of our conservation partners, bird rescuers, and upgrades to our facility that have increased our patient capacity. We aim to further strengthen our footing as a nonprofit program and expand critical resources in 2024, to ensure that we remain able to meet the demands of Kauai’s native birds in need and provide life-saving care year-round. |
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Our new incubators got a lot of use this year, like keeping these orphaned koloa (left) and nēnē / Hawaiian Goose (right) warm. |
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In 2023 we grew our team of volunteers with the addition of transport volunteers, which have been a huge help in getting birds to SOS as quickly as possible. Our team also spent time developing our skills and knowledge at the annual Pacific Seabird Group and National Wildlife Rehabilitation Association conferences. We made it through another Seabird Fallout Season with four amazing seasonal Avian Technicians. The flooring in our exam and holding areas received a much-needed upgrade. We also started our very own vegetable garden to help keep waterfowl patients fed with the freshest of greens! In addition we made incredible housing improvements thanks to the Pacific Birds Partnership Grant (keep an eye out for more updates on that soon). Our Wailua facility was also blessed to honor the land and hands that have helped SOS become the program it is today, as well as set our intentions for the future. It was a year full of growth and reflection, and we can’t wait to continue to share our exciting projects set for 2024! |
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JEN518 during a morning exam after she had perked up. |
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This pueo / Hawaiian Short-eared Owl was admitted on January 8th. Upon intake she was lethargic, on her side unable to stand, and not reactive to people. Additionally, she had reduced pupillary response, and an abrasion on her left eye. The bird was given fluids and medicated eye drops for the injured eye. She quickly perked up over the next couple days and was back to acting like a normal pueo! We suspect the initial issue was head trauma which had stunned her. She was released January 23rd and was quick to take off. This bird is a nice reminder that even when cases appear dire, they still have a chance at recovery when brought in for care. |
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JEN518's eye under blue light after it had been stained. |
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The abrasion found on this pueo’s eye was faint and difficult to properly evaluate. In order to better visualize the abrasion and see the extent of damage, we used an eye stain. Fluorescein stain gets dripped into the eye, which then clings to the damaged areas. Under a bluelight the stained areas glow. Lucky for this pueo, the abrasion was superficial and resolved quickly with no permanent damage to the eye! |
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Our new microscope helps us find fecal parasites like the one on the right. |
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We have a new microscope! While it might not seem like the most exciting purchase, we are thrilled to have this new and improved piece of equipment. At SOS we frequently use our microscope to run fecal samples in order to identify parasites. While we normally get samples on all of our patients in care, we collect additional samples from those that have had digestion issues or trouble gaining weight. Weight loss, lethargy, emaciation, etc. can all be symptoms of a parasite infection. Our microscope allows us to identify the parasite eggs properly so we can administer the correct medications. We also use our microscope for blood smears. Smears allow us to see blood parasites and get a more accurate count on red and white blood cells in addition to our regular blood labs. It may seem small, but being able to run these samples does a lot to properly assess and care for our patients. |
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FKWR Mo’olelo Series
Check out the Princeville Mo’olelo Series held by Friends of Kauai Wildlife Refuges. The monthly series features presentations from FKWR’s various conservation partners, Hawaiian culture practitioners, and more. The presentations are free to attend and held at the Princeville Community Center. |
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SOS is an Unincorporated Nonprofit Association and fiscally sponsored by the Hawai'i Wildlife Center, a 501(c)(3) tax exempt, non-profit organization.
As the only Federal and State permitted wildlife facility on Kaua‘i, Save Our Shearwaters provides life-saving care to Hawai'i’s native birds in need. When you donate, you help us continue to rescue, rehabilitate, and release native wildlife. Mahalo nui loa from all of us at SOS (our feathered friends included)!
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