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Under normal conditions, when a chick is found on the ground we make every effort to put it back in the tree as close to its nesting spot as possible. However, for the next few days we're going to be under anything but normal conditions. While Hurricane Lane is messing with us, if you find a white tern chick on the ground it doesn't make sense to put it back in the tree. Instead we recommend that you collect the chick and place it in a small box with air holes and place a hand towel or T-shirt on the bottom. Then hold quietly until you are able to transport the chick to the Honolulu Zoo, Feather and Fur Animal Clinic, or Aloha Animal Hospital. You can find additional guidance on what to do at the Hawaii Wildlife Center's webpage at http://www.hawaiiwildlifecenter.org/rescue-injured-bird.html
Note in particular this guidance from the HWC: "Do not give food or water to the bird and do not leave any in the container or bag." If you have any questions about caring for chick while waiting to be able to get it to one the care providers please call the HWC at 808-884-5000. We're scheduling another in our series of Third Saturday Bird Walks for August 18. We’ll meet at 9:30 in the grove of Kukui trees on the Diamond Head side of Richards Street, near the intersection with Hotel Street (see photo). The walk will include stops at several of the trees in the downtown Honolulu area where white terns are currently tending eggs or chicks and will end at about 11:00. At 11:00, after the walk, we’ll provide a brief orientation session for anyone interested in learning how to monitor white tern nests and submit reports on their observations. The orientation will also take place in the grove of Kukuis on Richards Street. Please RSVP by texting 808-379-7555 or by emailing huimanuoku@gmail.com and let us know if you’ll be attending the orientation session or the tern walk. Feel free to bring your camera as there should be opportunities to get some great photos!  |