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Shearwaters and Petrels 249

unsuccessful. The first time out they are not actively encouraged to fly, although if they do, then
that is great. Newell’s Shearwaters and Hawaiian Petrels (most of which are found following their
maiden flight from montane burrows, having not quite made it to the sea) are quick to leave. Place
them on elevated rocks several feet off the ground or near sea cliffs. If there are no injuries and the
bird is in good condition and there is a good wind (3–4 on the Beaufort scale) they will leave very
quickly. If the wind is coming from a poor direction (offshore) or there is very little wind, then the
birds may refuse to take off or take much longer to do so. Wedge‐tailed Shearwaters often take
encouragement to get airborne. If a chick is not ready to go, return it to the facility for another
attempt on a later date. Following repeated trips to the beach with refusal to become airborne, hold
them aloft and directed into the wind and encourage them to flap and use their wings. This will
generally encourage reticent fledglings to fly off. We release all of our young shearwaters and pet-
rels during the day with enough time between release and sunset to ensure that the birds get a good
distance offshore to not get drawn back in by lights, usually no later than 4:00 p.m. Birds slated for
release (or a release attempt) that day are not fed in the morning. They have an unfortunate ten-
dency to regurgitate any fresh food in their stomachs prior to taking off.
Despite the fact that most of these species make their maiden flight at night, releasing them dur-
ing the day appears to have no negative consequences. In places where there may be aerial diurnal
predators, you should look around the area carefully prior to release. Iwa (Great Frigatebirds) will
dive on a young shearwater or petrel and force the inexperienced flier into the water, so also check
for species that practice kleptoparasitism. Releasing during the day has the added benefit of being
able to watch the bird fly and ensure that it has flown in the direction intended (out to sea) and
made it out past the breakers.
As long as it is not pouring with rain or blowing a gale, most weather is fine for releasing these
birds. We’ve watched released birds (via satellite track) fly straight through hurricanes and out the
other side. Ideally though, weather should be fair.

Translocation Considerations
Generally, birds that are part of a translocation program are taken from their natal colony just
prior to first emergence from the burrow, as it is suggested that this is the point at which they
imprint on their colony site (Miskelly et al. 2009). If the bird(s) being raised are intended to be
a part of a new colony or to be integrated into an existing one, care must be taken to avoid
them imprinting on an improper location. There are several successful shearwater and petrel
translocation programs happening in various places in the world and if this is the route that is
chosen, it would be beneficial to speak to people involved in these programs to see what meth-
ods have worked.

Acknowledgments

Many mahalos (thanks!) to Molly Bache, Madelyn Jacobs, Jacqueline Nelson, Christa McLeod, and
all of the SOS seasonal technicians and volunteers over the past several years who have helped
raise these birds to fledging; the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative for funding the SOS program; and
residents of and visitors to Kauai who rescue downed and distressed shearwaters and petrels. And
to these amazing oceanic wanderers who, if it were not for the needs of the egg, could eschew dry
land and its hazards altogether.