November Newsletter 2022

Can't see this email? {% web_view %}

Culturally Grounded Conservation

Kumu Sabra Kauka and Island School students get an up close look at a Newell's Shearwater before pule and release. Photo by Jen Rothe, Archipelago Research Conservation

We cannot fully appreciate the species we care for without creating space to integrate their cultural ties. Each fall, we help facilitate Ho’opomaika’i ‘ia na Manu 'A'o, a cultural blessing and release of fledgling 'A'o / Newell’s Shearwaters. The Kaua'i Endangered Species Research Project (KESRP) visits local schools leading up to the event to share information about Kaua'i's 'A'o and fallout season. Students and teachers then attend the release, getting a rare close look at fledgling 'A'o from our care. Around 60 people gathered at Lydgate Beach Park for the event last month, including individuals from Island School, DLNR’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Kaua'i County Council, Pacific Missile Range Facility, The Garden Island, and local conservation organizations. In the leadership of Kumu Sabra Kauka, these 'A'o received blessings for their first journey at sea.

Island School students get an up close look at a Newell's Shearwater before pule and release. Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Bodie Estep, Pacific Missile Range Facility

One 'A'o was released by Kumu Sabra, and the other by PMRF’s Commanding Officer Capt. Brett Stevenson. This collaborative event is a great opportunity to appreciate the journey of these birds, their connection to the 'āina, and why we work together to help prevent their extinction. Mahalo KESRP and Kumu Sabra for making it possible!

PMRF’s Commanding Officer Capt. Brett Stevenson releases a Newell's Shearwater with the guidance of SOS staff. Photo by Dilek Sahin, Kaua'i Endangered Species Research Project

Not only do native Hawaiian seabirds play a vital role in island ecology, they also hold deep cultural significance. Their presence was heavily integrated into daily life, including Hawaiian cultural practices and stories. Their nightly voyage back to land helped ancient Hawaiians navigate to shore at night, following the birds’ flight. Fishermen historically used foraging birds to lead them to fish, which continues today. Their feathers were collected for intricate featherwork in kāhili and lei. In Hawaiian mythology, tropicbirds and ‘Iwa / Great Frigatebirds have been described as messengers of the gods. Seabird behavior was even used to monitor changes in weather! When it comes to these birds and their strong cultural ties, the more you look the more you find.

Patient Spotlight

Above: Fledgling Newell's Shearwater CPD010 upon intake at SOS; Below: CPD010's collision scuff.

This fledgling 'A'o, CPD010, was picked up from an SOS Aid Station on October 15th. S/he had a scuff mark along the side of her face, indicating that she had collided with a stationary object.

With all of our collision cases, we take care to make sure the bird did not sustain neurological damage. We generally see this present as irregular pupillary response to light, tail-twitching, an abnormal neck posture (torticollis), head scanning, and/or poor body control.

Symptoms can take time to develop, so even if a collision bird is otherwise healthy and behavior appears normal, we’ll provide supportive care and monitor behavior for 24 hours before they’re eligible for release.

Being able to catch and treat symptoms with delayed onset before the bird is at sea can be the difference between life and death, so keeping birds in care through the monitoring window is well worth the extra time and resources it requires.

CPD010 did not develop any symptoms during care and after a day of pooling, she was ready to go! On October 17th she was released and flew strongly out to sea.

Spot the Shearwater!

A Newell's Shearwater found burrowing after grounding due to light attraction.

In order for us to help patients like CPD010, they first have to be found! When you think of a nesting bird, you might imagine them up in the trees. 'A'o are a little different. These birds burrow, digging their way into dense underbrush with their bills and feet. Burrows are often located in thick vegetation at the base of trees and on steep mountain slopes and cliffs. Young birds are left in these burrows during the day while their parents go out to sea to bring food back to them.

Since 'A'o are instinctively inclined to burrow, when they become grounded they will do their best to find somewhere to hide. This can make them hard to spot! Understanding natural behaviors can help increase the chance of recovery. Keep these burrowing birds in mind when you're out, especially at night when they may not have found a good spot to tuck themselves into yet!

Behind the Scenes

A Newell's Shearwater looking under the surface while pooling at SOS.

Peak Season Update

October made for a busy month at SOS, with a consistent stream of 'A'o / Newell's Shearwaters in and out of our facility. Since the start of fallout season on September 15th, we have admitted 224 birds, 79% of which have been endangered species! Most of these birds have been fledgling 'A'o that grounded due to light attraction or collisions (we admitted 18 patients on Oct. 20th alone, 17 of which were 'A'o).

The most common reason for admission has been inadequate waterproofing, but we've also admitted birds for collision monitoring, fractures, infections, and malnutrition. Our patient count has steadily hovered around 25-40 for the past several weeks. Newell's admissions have started to taper, which should allow us to get our bearings a bit before Wedge-tailed Shearwater and Hawaiian Petrel fallout picks up later this month!

Seven fledgling Newell's Shearwaters and an adult White-tailed Tropicbird on an SOS conditioning pool.

SOS outreach booth at Kīlauea Point during National Wildlife Refuge Week.

Partnership with Kaua'i Refuges

SOS participated in Kīlauea Point's Partners Day on October 15th! This was a free admission day for the general public during National Wildlife Refuge Week. SOS is one of many conservation partners that the Kaua'i National Wildlife Refuge Complex works with in order to fulfill its mission. We had a great time talking story and sharing our work with others, and you can't beat the view! If you haven't been to Kīlauea Point in a while, we highly recommend taking the time to visit and be surrounded by native plants and wildlife.

Each year SOS receives grant funding from Friends of Kaua'i Wildlife Refuges (formerly Kīlauea Point National History Association) to help support our ability to treat the birds we receive from Kaua'i's Refuges. We work closely with Refuge staff to provide guidance on initial triage and coordinate transport to our facility when a live bird is found. Thanks to their extensive onsite monitoring and supplemental funding, together we can help ensure these birds have the best chance of survival.

Chalk art at Kīlauea Point during National Wildlife Refuge Week.

Conservation Corner

Join Kauai Invasive Species Committee for ‘Ohi’a Love Fest, November 15th-19th! Most events will be held in person with various organizations on island. Check out KISC’s website to explore and register for events like hikes, workshops, and tree plantings.

Ocean areas near Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, which was expanded in 2016, has seen an increase in fish, suggesting its expansion has been a success. Follow the link to find out more!

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)!

Donate

No longer want to receive these emails? {% unsubscribe 'Unsubscribe' %}