Help needed to report seabird fallout

Autumn months in Hawaiʻi bring risks for native seabirds, including the ʻaʻo (Newell’s shearwater), ʻuaʻu (Hawaiian petrel) and ʻuaʻu kani (wedge-tailed shearwater). Throughout this season, roughly Sept. 15 – Dec. 15, these birds leave their nests at night, navigating by the stars and moon  ̶  and may be confused by artificial lighting. Light from homes, businesses and streetlights can be disorienting, causing the birds to fall to the ground from injury or exhaustion.  

Each year, the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DLNR DOFAW) asks residents across Hawaiʻi to help prevent seabird fallout and to report injured seabirds. Residents can help in multiple ways, including:

• Using seabird-friendly lighting – Turn off unnecessary outdoor lights in autumn and use low-intensity lights that are shielded to only shine downward. Examples can be found on the website. 
• Reporting or rescuing downed seabirds – The website provides a list of contacts on each main island for licensed rehab centers and biologists whom you can contact if you find a downed seabird. We also have guidance on how to safely transport birds to a rehabber, as well as an information form to record your rescue in our database. 

For details on how you can help by reducing light attraction at your home and how to safely handle downed seabirds visit: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/wildlife/seabird-fallout-season/

Potential rescuers should note that it is normal for young seabirds to sit on the ground near their nest burrows. A seabird sitting on the ground near a burrow, without obvious injury, does not need to be rescued and should be left alone. 

Avian influenza strain H5N1 has been present in Hawaiʻi, though no current infections are known. Even though the risk of human transmission is low and the disease has not been detected in native seabirds, it is important to take extra precautions when handling birds.

Anyone who finds multiple dead or sick seabirds of any species should call the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity:

• During regular business hours: 808-483-7106
• During non-business hours: 808-837-8092

If you decide to rescue a seabird, the DLNR website contains links to guidance from the Hawaiʻi Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control to minimize transmission risk.