#Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project

[avian-aves]

Day 16 of #avianaugust2023 - ʻAlalā (Hawaiian Crow)

Reference photo by the Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project

mauiforestbirds.org/alala/

[naturalrights-retard]

Claire Edwards, former United Nations editor and trainer in Intercultural Writing who warned the UN Secretary-General about the dangers of 5G in 2018, said that everyone who hears the truth about 5G shuns it and for good reason. What corporate media fails to tell the public is that thousands of scientists and physicians have expressed their concerns about the rollout of 5G in at least 60 appeals.

Excessive exposure to cell phones and Wi-Fi networks has been linked to chronic diseases such as cardiac arrhythmias, anxiety, depression, autism, Alzheimer’s and infertility. 

Last month, a case study published in the Journal of Community Medicine & Public Health reported that within a week of a 5G cell tower being activated 20 metres from his apartment, a 49-year-old Swedish man developed severe heart symptoms.  This case is the fifth scientific report by Dr. Lennart Hardell, a world-leading scientist on cancer risks from radiation, and Mona Nilsson on the human health effects of real-life 5G radiofrequency (“RF”) radiation.

It’s not only fifth-generation technology (“5G”) that poses risks.  For many years, published peer-reviewed studies have already indicated that the current wireless technologies of 2G, 3G and 4G – in use today with our cell or mobile phones, computers and wearable tech – create RF exposures which pose a serious health risk to humans, animals and the environment.

Earlier this year, president of Cellular Phone Task Force Arthur Firstenberg wrote that it wasn’t “bird flu” that killed wild birds in Europe last spring, it was radiation sickness.  We previously published an article which listed 94 incidences in 2022 when vast numbers of animals died suddenly.  Although no link to EMFs has been made, perhaps we should, at least, ask the question.

The Cellular Phone Task Force’s newsletter at the end of last month discussed the possibility that very high frequency (“VHF”) transmitters attached to kiwikiu by the Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project killed all but three of the 10 birds released in just over two weeks.  Kiwikiu, or Maui parrotbill, are critically endangered birds only found in Maui, Hawaii, with fewer than 150 remaining.  The three birds that survived managed to disable or remove their radio transmitter shortly after their release into the forest.

[nullarysources]

Hawaii's birds are going extinct. Their last hope could be millions of mosquitoes

Lauren Sommer and Ryan Kellman for NPR:

There were once more than 50 species of Hawaiian honeycreepers, small colorful birds that filled the native forests and have important significance in Native Hawaiian culture. Now, those forests are going silent. Only 17 species of honeycreeper are left, with some expected to go extinct in the wild as soon as this year.

Honeycreepers are disappearing because of avian malaria, transmitted by mosquitoes that were introduced to Hawaii by accident in the 1800s. With no immunity, native birds often die after a single mosquito bite.

Still, small pockets of birds have endured because the mosquito onslaught has been halted by an invisible line. Above 4,000 to 5,000 feet in elevation, temperatures are too cold for mosquitoes, so the birds there have remained safe. But as temperatures rise with climate change, the mosquitoes are advancing into the birds' last remaining refuge.

As a last-ditch effort to save the birds, a coalition of groups, including the National Park Service, the state of Hawaii and nonprofits like the Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project, is borrowing a strategy from public health departments. Where mosquitoes spread human diseases, modified mosquitoes that are unable to reproduce successfully are often released, helping to suppress the overall mosquito population.

As always, mosquitoes continue to just be the worst

[covenawhite66]

Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project

Researchers spent years raising birds in captivity, which led to efforts to re-introduce the alala seven years ago on Hawaii Island.

Currently, about 120 alala are being raised in captivity and a mix of 15 male and female birds would be sent out initially.

[plethoraworldatlas]

The ‘akikiki, a small, gray bird native to Hawaii, may not look remarkable, but its rarity is. Only five are thought to remain in the wild and, according to the state’s Department of Land and Natural Resources, the species could go extinct within months.

The biggest threat to the tiny birds is from malaria-carrying mosquitoes. Living in the cool and lush mountains of the island of Kauaʻi, for many years this honeycreeper species was out of the range of non-native mosquitoes, but rising temperatures from climate change have enabled the biting insects to find their way up to these peaks – with terrible consequences.

...

With populations at an all-time low, conservationists like Bailey, along with the Kauaʻi Forest Bird Recovery Project and Department of Land and Natural Resources, are ramping up efforts to save the species from extinction by building up an insurance population in bird conservation centers on Kauaʻi and Maui islands. (The center was not affected by recent wildfires that devastated Maui.)

“Our mission is to provide safe haven populations of the species that are in peril, so that when the environment is right for them to survive long-term, we’ll be able to re-release them,” she says.

[mauitime]

Annual Open House at Maui Bird Conservation Center

Annual Open House at Maui Bird Conservation Center

MBCC’s Annual Open House will be at Maui Bird Conservation Center on Saturday, December 7th and Sunday, December 8th. The Maui Bird Conservation Center (MBCC) is a non-public facility that focuses on captive breeding and the reintroduction of endangered Hawaiian birds. The two-day open house is a rare opportunity for the public to see presentations, enjoy keiki activities, take a guided tour of…

[crypitd]

Scarlet Honeycreeper (ʻIʻiwi) dozing away, while Sleepy Bird Sunday is going on

This post is to raise awareness for the Hawaiian Honeycreepers.

“Two out of three Hawaiian Honeycreepers are now extinct, and most of the remaining honeycreepers are either already listed as threatened or endangered, or are declining. The 'i'iwi has seen a 92 percent decline[...]” (x)

Click here to donate to the Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project if you can!

Click here to learn more!

----

© Harlen Chen

[usfwspacific]

The Alala Project

The ‘Alalā, or Hawaiian Crow, has been extinct in the wild since 2002, preserved only at the Keauhou and Maui Bird Conservation Centers managed by San Diego Zoo Global’s Hawaii Endangered Bird Conservation Program. 

The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with the State of Hawaiʻi Dept. of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife, and San Diego Zoo Globa to establish a self-sustaining, wild population of ʻAlalā that fulfills its’ ecological and cultural roles in the forests of Hawaiʻi.

Keep reading to...

Follow along with recent recovery updates

View a media gallery

Check out Frequently Asked Questions videos

Read bout ʻAlalā in the News

"Recovering threatened and endangered species is bigger than any one community or agency. It takes everyone working together. Together we can ensure a healthy future for not only the birds, but the forest ecosystem as a whole.” 

- Michelle Bogardus, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Geographic Team Leader for Maui Nui and Hawaii Island.

Follow along with recent recovery updates...

October 10, 2018 -  On October 10th, the second group of 2018 birds was released! This group is made up of 3 females and 2 males making the 10 total birds released this year. The birds exited the aviary in a matter of hours and were seen feeding on supplemental food son after release. These 10 birds were also released within Puʻu Makaʻala Natural Area Reserve, in a separate area, but in similar habitat to the 11 birds from the 2017 release, that are still thriving. The birds in this release group, ʻEleu, Makalapua, Hoʻomalu, Kūlani, and Kūkiaʻimauna, have challenges and adventures ahead of them but our hope is that they too will thrive in the forest. E hoʻolāʻau hou ka ʻalalā!

September 25, 2018 -  ʻAlalā Take Flight in The Forest - After researchers opened the release aviary doors in a remote forest on the island of Hawaii, it took 53 minutes for the first bird to venture outside. Then one by one they left. All but the last one flew. It strolled out on foot and quickly joined the others already exploring their new home.  Nearly a year after the successful reintroduction of critically endangered Hawaiian crows into the forests of Hawai’i researchers with The ʻAlalā Project have released five more ‘Alalā into the Pu‘u Maka‘ala Natural Area Reserve. . . Read More.

September 24, 2018 - Self Defense: It’s for the birds - Biologists incorporate  innovative new approach training endangered birds to avoid predators.ʻAlaā perches in the forest. Photo by SDZG.Anyone close to a flight aviary in the Pu‘u Maka‘āla Natural Area Reserve (NAR) recently would surely have wondered about all the ruckus. The distinctive calls of the ʻAlalā (native Hawaiian crows) fill the air, along with the screech of Kapono, the Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo’s resident ‘Io (native Hawaiian hawk). . . Read more. 

May 1, 2018 - Endangered Hawaiian Crow Thriving in Hawaii’s Forests - The eleven young ‘Alalā living in the Pu‘u Maka‘ala Natural Area Reserve on the Island of Hawai‘i continue to thrive, showing increased natural behaviors, foraging on native plants, and even challenging the occasional ‘Io, or Hawaiian Hawk. . . Read more.

April 6, 2018 - Naming the Next Generation of ‘Alalā - In Mrs Wines fifth grade classroom recently, 21 students were hard at work drawing pictures of ‘Alalā, the Hawaiian crow that has been extinct in the wild for nearly two decades. Their drawings are part of their assignment to come up with Hawaiian names for 12 ‘Alalāthat have been raised in a conservation breeding center and are scheduled to be released into their native habitat later this year. . . Read more.

December 8, 2017 - The Long Road to Recovery - Eleven young ‘Alalā—critically endangered Hawaiian crows— have been released into Pu‘u Maka‘ala Natural Area Reserve on the Island of Hawai‘i.‘ ... Read more.

Media Gallery

“Hearing the voices of the ʻAlalā and seeing them forage in their native habitat after being gone for so long is an incredible feeling. It is a testament to the resiliency of the birds and the dedication of so many incredible partners that we have come so far.”

Bryce Masuda, Program Manager from the San Diego Zoo Global’s (SDZG) Hawai‘i Endangered Bird Conservation Program (HEBCP)

Image courtesy of SDZG

Image courtesy of SDZG

Image courtesy of Hawaii DLNR

Image courtesy of SDZG

Image courtesy of SDZG

Frequently Asked Questions 

Visit our FAQ gallery for a series of short videos produced by project partner Hawaii DLNR answering some of the most common questions people have. - FAQ Gallery

How has the volcano impacted the birds?

ʻAlalā in the News 

“Although bringing the ‘Alalā back to the wild will take decades of work and perseverance, the people of Hawai‘i and many agencies are dedicated to saving this unique species for the perpetuation of Hawaiian ecosystems.”

-  Suzanne Case, Chair of the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources

April 25, 2016 -  Is Hawaii ‘the extinction capital of the world’? Exhibit A: The alala bird.

October 5, 2016 - The Hawaiian Crow Is Ready to Make Its Big Comeback

March 18, 2017 - Hawaii Tribune Herald -  Experts work to improve ‘alala’s chances

October 19, 2017 -  Honolulu Star Advertiser - 5 more alala released in conservation effort. 

November 9, 2017 - The Atlantic -  Staging Bird Murders to Save a Species

November 08, 2017 - Honolulu Magazine -  Could Hawai‘i’s Endangered Native Crow Be Saved From Extinction?

November 14, 2017 - Audubon - A Year Later, It's Take Two for the Hawaiian Crow's Return to the Wild

January 8, 2018  - All About Birds - Bad News And Good News About Hawaiian Birds

April 5, 2018 - San Diego Union Tribune  - Help name 12 rare Hawaiian crows nurtured by San Diego Zoo Global

September 30, 2018 - Hawaii Tribune-Herald - Hawaii NewsFive more ‘alala take to the skies 

September 30, 2018 - Big Island Video News -  After Predator Training, Five More Alala Released Into The Wild 

October 1, 2018 - U. S. News and Wold Report -  Conservationists Release 5 More Hawaiian Crows on Big Island

[creativinn]

Maui Now : Hui Noʻeau to Host Plant & Craft Event

The Hui No‘eau and the East Maui Watershed Partnership will host a free plant and craft event. The event, Plants & Crafts: Mālama Wao Akua Closing Celebration, will be held on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center. The event is open to the public with free admission.

The event will feature art exhibits, interactive art projects and demonstrations, as well as local plant, craft, and food vendors. The event is intended to educate the public about Maui’s conservation efforts and the importance of protecting native species.

Artwork from 51 adults, 14 high school students, 22 middle school students, and 10 elementary school students will be on display in the Mālama Wao Akua Exhibition, which has been on display in the Hui gallery since Sept. 14. Mālama Wao Akua, which means to Care for the Realm of the Gods, is an annual art exhibition celebrating the native species of Maui Nui, which includes Maui, Lāna‘i, Moloka‘i and Kaho‘olawe.

The event will include local craft vendors Rose Bailey, Jasmine Honey Jewelry, Cherie Attix, Grace Hazel, Pam Street, Jonathan Mann, and Evelyn Brown. The Native Nursery will also be at the event to sell native plants. Food vendors will include ʻOno Pono Acai and Maui Coconut Care.

The East Maui Watershed Partnership, Maui Nui Seabird Recovery Project, Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project, Haleakalā National Park, Mauna Kahalawai Watershed Partnership, Plant Extinction Prevention Program, Maui Nui Marine Response Center, and Koholā Project will be hosting educational booths at the event. Each of the Hui’s art studios will be open for public viewing during the event. There will be a Keiki Art Station in the Hui’s Garden and guests can enjoy live artist demonstrations in glassblowing, lei-making, and jewelry making.  

The Hui’s History Room will also be open for attendees to view the Hui artist in residence Mazatlʻs large-scale mural. Mazatl is a graphic maker from Mexico City who aims to create conversations towards collective liberation by using public space to communicate ideas and emotions. Mazatl’s large-scale mural was inspired by his experience on Maui and his experiences at the Auwahi Forest Restoration Project in ʻUlupalakua. This mural will remain in the Hui’s history room for visitors daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with free admission.

Hui No’eau and East Maui Watershed are encouraging everyone to visit the Mālama Wao Akua exhibition and vote for the “People’s Choice Award.” The community is also invited to learn more about Maui’s conservation efforts from leading experts during the exhibition’s “Talk Story” Thursdays. Talks will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. in the Hui gallery on the following dates:

Oct. 18: Nicole Davis, Maui Nui Marine Mammal Response Coordinator

: Allison Borell, Community Outreach and Education Liaison for East Maui Watershed Partnership and Field Staff

The Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center is located at 2841 Baldwin Ave. in Makawao. More information on the Hui Noʻeau and the Plants & Crafts: Mālama Wao Akua Closing Celebration can be found online. 

Source

http://mauinow.com/2018/10/29/hui-no%ca%bbeau-to-host-plant-and-craft-event/

[mauitime]

2019 MauiTime Charity Guide

2019 MauiTime Charity Guide

Ah, the holidays. It’s that time of year when our lattes get pumpkin spiced and pepperminted, loved ones reconnect, carols are played (and sung) on loop, and all join in the spirit of giving. But it’s also a time when shopping lists get cluttered with all the best stuff, and it becomes easy to succumb to the consumerist frenzy that surrounds “the most wonderful time of the year.” In many ways,…

[mauitime]

Pint Night for the Birds at Maui Brewing Company in Lahaina

Pint Night for the Birds at Maui Brewing Company in Lahaina

There’s another Pint Night for the Birds at Maui Brewing Company in Lahaina on Friday, November 29th. The event is a fundraiser for Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project, and half of the pub profits will be directed to the organization – a Maui conservation nonprofit that researches and protects native bird species on Maui. Here’s a cool place to meet up with your friends this week! 21+. 6pm. Maui…

[mauitime]

Maui Forest Birds Critically Threatened

Maui Forest Birds Critically Threatened

The kiwikiu, or Maui parrotbill, is only found in East Maui. There are less than 312 remaining in the wild

A new interagency monitoring report on Hawaiian forest birds indicates that remaining populations of at least two native endemic species of Maui forest birds are in rapid decline.

The surveys conducted in the report were the largest and most comprehensive interagency effort to research East…

[mauitime]

Students Sought for Conservation Leadership Program

Students Sought for Conservation Leadership Program

Applications are now being accepted for Na Hua Hoʻohuli i ka Pono, a service-learning program designed to help develop the county’s next generation of conservation leaders. The ho‘oilo 2019-2020 term will include 19 hours per week from October 14-June 6, 2019. Participants will earn a bi-weekly living allowance of $475 and are eligible to earn two AmeriCorps Education Awards totalling $2,579 to…

[mauitime]

Summer Conservation Leadership Program Accepting Applications

Summer Conservation Leadership Program Accepting Applications

The Nā Hua Hoʻohuli i ka Pono Conservation Leadership Program announces that the deadline for its summer program is quickly approaching – February 18 at 8am.

Through the program, participants will learn valuable skills to prepare them for future careers with a foundation in environmental ethics, while developing key leadership skills that are important for advancing the protection of Maui’s…

[mauitime]

Pint Night For the Birds at Maui Brewing Company in Kahana

Pint Night For the Birds at Maui Brewing Company in Kahana

The next Pint Night For the Birds will happen at Maui Brewing Company in Kahana on Friday, May 25. The public is invited for a night of tasty brews and local environmental support. Half the pub profits from house beers sold will go to support Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project (MFBRP), a Maui nonprofit dedicated to the conservation of Hawai‘i’s native forest birds. 6-10pm. Maui Brewing Company…

[mauitime]

2017 MauiTime Charity Gift Guide

Do we really need to outline how lousy everything is right now? If you’re privileged enough that you think that life is just peachy right now, then you’re more than capable of giving back. And you’re in luck, because this is our annual Charity Gift Guide!

During the holiday season, please take some time and look at all the ways you can help Maui’s neediest charities and nonprofit organizations.…