Hawaii Officials Urge Statewide Help for Seabirds

Hawaiʻi wildlife officials are asking residents to help protect native seabirds during the fall fallout season, when young birds flying from their nests at night can become disoriented by artificial lights and fall to the ground. People can reduce the risk by turning off unnecessary outdoor lights or using low-intensity, downward-shielded lighting. Report injured or grounded birds to local wildlife rehabilitators or biologists and follow their instructions for safe handling; healthy young birds sitting near their burrows should be left alone. Officials also advise extra precautions because H5N1 has been detected in Hawaiʻi, although no current infections are known.