O‘AHU SEABIRD AID
Providing rapid response to downed seabirds on O‘ahu during fallout season
Each year young seabirds such as wedged-tailed shearwaters fledge from their nest for the first time. From September through December, young seabirds taking their first flight to sea can get disoriented by urban lights and fall to the ground. Fallout on O‘ahu is typically busiest from mid-November to mid-December.
These species evolved to fledge at night and use moonlight to navigate their way out to sea, but with the arrival of humans and artificial lighting that natural phenomenon has been interrupted. The young birds can become confused by lights from airports, street lamps, buildings, and homes. In their confusion they will circle to the point of exhaustion or sometimes collide with these lighted structures.
Being able to respond to downed seabirds quickly highly increases the likelihood of a successful fledge!
O‘ahu Seabird Aid: A Hawai‘i Wildlife Center Program
Created by the Hawai‘i Wildlife Center (HWC) in 2017, the O‘ahu Seabird Aid (OSA) program provides coordinated response and professional care for native seabirds during fallout season. HWC leads program management, coordinates with program partners, and provides all wildlife rehabilitation care.
From Fallout to Release
The Hawai‘i Wildlife Center’s trained wildlife care staff evaluates and cares for every bird received through the OSA program under HWC’s state and federal wildlife rehabilitation permits.
1) Examine
HWC staff perform an intake exam and provide hydration, nutrition, and medical care as needed.
3) Prepare for Release
HWC staff perform a pre-release exam to evaluate strength, flight readiness, and overall health.
2) Assess
HWC staff conduct additional assessment as needed, including pool time to evaluate waterproofing.
4) Release
Once cleared by HWC staff, the bird is taken for a monitored release.
Avian Influenza Notice
Seabirds, especially young fledgling seabirds, are considered low risk of Avian Influenza (AI). More information about AI and proper precautions can be found here.
Publications & Resources
Oʻahu Seabird Aid Partners
HAWAIʻI WILDLIFE CENTER – PROGRAM LEAD
Created and manages the O‘ahu Seabird Aid program, coordinates program partners and provides professional wildlife care and rehabilitation.
FEATHER & FUR ANIMAL HOSPITAL – PARTNER FACILITY
Serves as the primary 24-hour public drop-off and stabilization site, providing after-hours support and critical medical care when needed. Address: 25 Kaneohe Bay Dr #260, Kailua, HI 96734. Phone: (808) 254-1548
HONOLULU ZOO – PARTNER FACILITY
Home to HWC’s year-round O‘ahu Clinic and the team’s base of operations when not stationed at Feather & Fur. The Honolulu Zoo is not a regular seabird drop-off location.
Additional drop-off locations can be found on the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife website.
FOUND A DOWNED NATIVE SEABIRD?
Call Hawaiʻi Wildlife Center
(808) 884-5000
or bring the bird to Feather and Fur Animal Hospital in Kāneʻohe, open 24 hours
Transporting Birds
If you have a bird that requires medical care and rehabilitation, the Division of Forestry and Wildlife asks that they be transported to a designated drop-off location. These birds rely on the support of their community. If you are able to transport the bird directly, that helps the bird get into care more quickly.
If you are unable to transport the bird, we have a volunteer team that may be able to help. Please note that arranging volunteer assistance for transportation will delay the treatment of the bird.
Community Support
Every bird we treat depends on community support —
through donations, hands-on volunteer help, and the
everyday supplies our hospital goes through.