Kaua'i Endangered Seabird Recovery Project

Website

Kaua'i Endangered Seabird Recovery Project We work to reverse the population decline of endangered seabirds on Kauai.

The KESRP is a Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) project, administered through the Pacific Studies Co-operative Unit of the University of Hawaiʻi. Formed in 2006, the project focuses primarily on the three endangered seabirds found on the island of Kauaʻi – Newell’s Shearwater (Puffinus newelli), Hawaiian Petrel (Pterodroma sandwichensis) and Band-rumped Storm-Petrel (Oceanodroma castro). Our work involves identifying the breeding distribution of these rare and enigmatic seabirds, monitoring their breeding colonies, undertaking research projects to better understand their life histories and the various threats which they face, and working with partner projects and organizations to ensure their long-term conservation.

10/24/2026

Here is our Kumu Sabra releasing a recovered A'o chick!

A reminder that seabird fallout is still happening! Small efforts create big effects, keep lights low, look out for seabirds at night and bring them to fire stations if one is found.

Check the link in our bio for more information on what to do if a downed bird is found!

In collaboration with and our Kumu Sabra Kauka, we wished all young ʻAʻo (Newell’s shearwater) the best on their first ...
10/20/2026

In collaboration with and our Kumu Sabra Kauka, we wished all young ʻAʻo (Newell’s shearwater) the best on their first voyage to the ocean, releasing four of the rescued birds!

8th graders from Kapaa Middle School joined us along with community members and learned about these special seabirds.

We are grateful for our Kumu Sabra who guided us in the blessing and for all community members rescuing seabirds so far. Big mahalo to for ensuring the rescued birds are prepared for their voyage.

Check the link in our bio for more information on what to do if a downed bird is found!

A reminder that fallout is still happening! From Kekaha to Hanalei fledglings have been found downed in bright urban set...
10/19/2026

A reminder that fallout is still happening! From Kekaha to Hanalei fledglings have been found downed in bright urban settings in the past weeks. Many of these chicks are rescued and released after rehabilitation by . However, some don't make it.

Often it is the difference of a matter of minutes if these downed seabirds will survive. Take initiative when you are able and keep lights low. If you see a downed seabird carefully take it to a fire station or contact the SOS hotline.

Every Fallout season the community comes together to support these chicks as they start off their life. Be a part of the preservation of these threatened seabirds!

Check the link in our bio for more information on what to do if a downed bird is found!

It's that time of year again, fallout season is upon us! Do you know what to do if you find a grounded seabird? Every ye...
10/14/2026

It's that time of year again, fallout season is upon us! Do you know what to do if you find a grounded seabird?

Every year from September 15th to December 15th, Kauai’s native seabird populations experience some of the highest fallout rates in the world.

What is fallout? Fallout is a phenomenon some seabirds experience where they become disoriented and confused at night by artificial lights and end up on the ground from fatigue.

Problematic lights can be any bright streetlamps, residential lights, parking lots, hotel, and shopping center lights. -Look at how bright the lights are in the first photo from one of our mountain colonies!

Once grounded, these birds cannot take flight easily from flat terrain, and will become exponentially more susceptible to threats such as cats, dogs, cars, and starvation.

So what can be done?

We as community members can work to decrease our personal light pollution, increase our vigilance during the hours after sunset and before sunrise, and take action when we see a grounded bird. Every chick matters for the future of our seabird populations. -Can you spot the downed seabird in the second photo?

Have you found a bird? Visit the link in our bio for more details on what to do when coming across a grounded bird!

Image credit: Jim Denny () for the last photograph featuring a Newell's shearwater release

This Saturday, we will be on Oahu for Bishop Museum’s annual Science & Sustainability Festival!In collaboration with the...
05/28/2026

This Saturday, we will be on Oahu for Bishop Museum’s annual Science & Sustainability Festival!

In collaboration with the Department of Land and Natural Resources, this year the festival focuses on the Year of Our Coastal Kuleana!

Alongside other amazing organizations, we will be there to talk about Hawaii’s native seabirds, threats they face, and how we can help them!

Don’t miss out on the panel starting at 12:30 pm, at the Great Lawn Main Stage, if you want to learn more about our native birds. Our very own Project Coordinator Dilek Sahin will be one of the panelists!


Over the past few weeks our team has had the pleasure of greeting the ʻAʻo (Newellʻs Shearwater) and ʻUaʻu (Hawaiian Pet...
05/06/2026

Over the past few weeks our team has had the pleasure of greeting the ʻAʻo (Newellʻs Shearwater) and ʻUaʻu (Hawaiian Petrel) back to the mountain colonies (swipe to see some highlights of said birds and our team's photography skills!). Pairs united in their burrows after spending a few months at sea, and females are now quickly leaving for exodus (a period when female petrels and shearwaters feed on nutrient rich waters to form their egg).

Aiming to understand their breeding success and populations our team deployed monitoring equipment at colonies. Equipment deployed includes motion-sensor cameras at burrow entrances and sound recorders. These are used to monitor breeding success, predator activity, and track seabird calling activity.

To have a successful breeding season, these seabirds rely on a healthy ocean, which is another reason you should learn about and celebrate our Coastal Kuleana! Head over to for more information on the Year of Our Coastal Kuleana!

Thank you for reading our post! Swipe to the end for a gift from us to you!

!

Interested in learning more about native seabirds, threats to them, and how you can help protect them? Stop by our booth...
04/10/2026

Interested in learning more about native seabirds, threats to them, and how you can help protect them? Stop by our booth this Saturday, April 11th, for the 2026 Ho‘olaule‘a No Ka Honua hosted by .

This event is free to attend and brings together a diverse mix of 20+ organizations all working towards a sustainable and resilient future for Hawaii.

With tons of fun activities for all ages, you will not want to miss out!

⏱️Saturday, April 11th, 11am-4pm⏱️
📍Kauaʻi War Memorial Convention Hall📍

Take this opportunity to come together as a community and MālamaʻĀina, Mālama Kai, and Mālama Kākou.

Address

Lihue, HI

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Kaua'i Endangered Seabird Recovery Project posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share