Michael Mitchell, retired from the Fish and Wildlife Service, expressed that it was a great feeling to watch several rescued birds fly off for another chance at life. Mitchell was one of three guest release hosts during *E Ho‘opomaika‘o ia Na Manu ‘A‘o*, the release of rescued Newell’s Shearwater and other endangered seabirds, held on Thursday.
He was joined by Kumu Sabra Kauka, who traditionally offered the send-off oli, and freshman Kauai County Council member Fern Holland, who was surprised and thrilled when asked to release one of the endangered seabirds.
Coordinated by the Kauai Endangered Seabird Recovery Project and the Save Our Shearwaters program, *E Ho‘opomaika‘o ia Na Manu ‘A‘o* is the annual release and celebration of rescued fledgling ‘a‘o (Newell’s Shearwater) and other endangered seabirds such as the Hawaiian Petrel, or ua‘u.
The ceremony also served as an educational opportunity for about four dozen students from Island School and Kapaa Middle School, who were able to see the ‘a‘o up close. They observed birds that had been rescued by Kauai residents and brought to the Save Our Shearwaters program for rehabilitation before being released.
In addition to witnessing the release, students learned about the ‘a‘o and other seabirds and their deep connection to Hawaiian culture.
The event acted as a reminder of the fledgling season and encouraged people to be aware of seabirds learning to fly from the mountains to the ocean.
‘A‘o are seabirds that return to mountain burrows to lay their eggs. Once the chicks hatch, they make their way back to the open ocean, guided by the moon and stars.
However, during their journey, bright lights can often disorient these young birds. Exhausted, they may fall to the ground where they become vulnerable to predators, injury, or further exhaustion.
Because ‘a‘o have difficulty taking flight once grounded, it is crucial to help protect them during this vulnerable period.
For these reasons, from September 15 through December 15— the fledgling season—people are asked to reduce unnecessary use of bright lights that can confuse the young birds.
Additionally, the community is urged to stay alert for any seabirds on the ground and assist by rescuing them when possible.
Your awareness and care can make a significant difference in helping these endangered seabirds survive their journey to the ocean.
https://www.staradvertiser.com/2025/10/20/hawaii-news/rescued-seabirds-set-free-on-kauai/