Biologists ask for help in saving grounded birds

WAILUKU — Wildlife biologists are asking for the public’s assistance in helping the populations of native petrels and shearwaters recover.

Wildlife experts say when the birds leave their nests for the first time, they sometimes become disoriented by lights, fly in circles, then become tired and fall to the ground.

Because of a new moon coinciding with the start of the fledgling period, biologists at Haleakala National Park are concerned that more birds than usual may fall to the ground.

Biologists are asking people who may come upon one of the grounded birds to call the park.

Experts say the grounded birds are vulnerable to predators, such as feral cats, dogs and rats.