K. David Hyrenbach

K. David Hyrenbach

Nov 28, 2016

Group 6 Copy 40
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One Full Lunar Cycle

We have documented 36 downed wedge-tailed shearwaters, during 9 road surveys conducted every three days since November 3.  Today is day 28 of the study, and our surveys have spanned an entire moon cycle, with the proportion of the lunar disk illuminated increasing from 3% (Nov. 1) to 100% (Nov. 14), and decreasing back down to 1% (Nov. 28).  

Overall, the relative fallout (proportion of all downed shearwaters) and the proportion of the lunar disk illuminated nightly are weakly correlated (Pearson correlation, r = -0.313), suggesting a negative relationship similar to what we have documented in previous years.

We anticipate more fallout in the next three surveys, until we reach the new moon (50% lunar disk illuminated) and the number of fledging shearwaters diminishes in mid December.

        

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About This Project

Oikonos Ecosystem Knowledge

Wedge-tailed Shearwater chicks are attracted to lights and grounded due to collisions with utility wires / posts and hit by cars. Since 2011, we have surveyed a coastal highway during fledging (Nov-Dec) and have documented grounded shearwaters. We will use this 5-year baseline to test if deaths increase or decrease after the installation of new highway LED lights. This study will reveal whether the lights being replaced throughout Hawaii will impact these native seabirds.

Blast off!

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