A bit of background: The Laysan duck is a critically endangered bird (the second most endangered waterfowl on earth) with a population of what is now a few hundred birds on Laysan Island, and an introduced population on Midway Islands that now numbers somewhere near 400. Unfortunately, the birds are currently being hit by an outbreak of something seeming to be botulism. This morning, all of us joined John Klavitter, Refuge Biologist, to Eastern Island to survey for sick ducks at the three freshwater wetlands. Louis was the first to spot two ducks in very serious condition. They were breathing, but could hardly move. We brought them back to Sand Island to treat them, but sadly, one expired on the ride back.
However, after treating the one new sick bird, we tube-fed two birds that have been held for a few days while rehabilitating, and here is a photo of Pam releasing one of them into a wetland on Sand Island. She keeps insiting "I am not a biologist!", yet she has all the characteristics, including compassion for these cute little birds. What an honor to be able to recover one of our treasures.
However, after treating the one new sick bird, we tube-fed two birds that have been held for a few days while rehabilitating, and here is a photo of Pam releasing one of them into a wetland on Sand Island. She keeps insiting "I am not a biologist!", yet she has all the characteristics, including compassion for these cute little birds. What an honor to be able to recover one of our treasures.
Way to go, Pam and Louis!
ReplyDelete-t/t/j/s
hey louis, hows it going in midway. it looks like there is a lot of interesting things to do and things to see, (tiger shark, field of birds).
ReplyDeleteone question for you guys is how many bird species or on the island?
Jack & Sam