Nest Monitoring

The White Terns' breeding range currently extends from Hawaiʻi Kai to Pearl Harbor--that's a lot of trees to check!

By adopting a neighborhood, you can help us track white tern breeding activity, recording observations on known trees and reporting new nesting trees to add to the database. 

Surveying trees regularly not only allows us to collect invaluable information for research, but documenting active nesting spots also helps our Rescue Team get fallen chicks back where they belong! We provide training on how to use our nest monitoring app.  

Chick Rescue and Reunification 

Become a Manu o Kū First Responder and assist in efforts to reunite fallen White Tern chicks with their parents.

A First Responder might be asked to:
  • Meet the person who found the chick and collect information to determine where it came from
  • Secure the chick if the finder was unable to do so
  • Perform a health assessment to help determine if the chick is able to be returned to the tree or must be transported to a wildlife rehabilitator
  •  Return the chick to its nesting spot
  • Monitor the chick or follow-up the next day(s)

Training on rescue protocols, tools and field assessments are provided. 

Transportation

Transport injured or orphaned terns to or from our wildlife rehabilitation partners as needed. You may be asked to meet up with the person who found the tern or a First Responder at the scene. 

Community Outreach & Events

Engage with the community at public events, classroom visits, and on social media. Or unleash your creative side and help develop lesson plans, educational games or crafts.

Here are some of the events we've participated in recently:
  • Hawaiʻi Conservation Conference
  • Manu o Kū Festival
  • Arbor Day at University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
  • Founder's Day at Victoria Ward Park
  • Welcome Home Kōlea Festival

We also have a bi-weekly table at the Waikīkī Aquarium while there are manu o Kū actively nesting there! 

Photography 

Capture images and video of White Terns for research, education and promotional materials. We also occasionally need to photograph ID numbers from leg bands when we find banded terns!

Or simply share your photos of manu-o-Kū with the community on social media--this allows people to see details and behaviors they may otherwise miss! 

Facebook: White Tern Citizen Science
Instagram: @hui_manuoku
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Join our team! 

Fill out the Volunteer Interest Form and we will contact you to schedule an orientation.