Hawaii’s Kaua’i Albatross Network will celebrate World Albatross Day next month

The Kaua’i Albatross Network is dedicated to helping preserve the vitality of the globally Near Threatened Laysan Albatross Phoebastria immutabilis and promoting safe habitat on which this magnificent bird depends.  It serves as a resource to promote safe nesting habitat for Laysan Albatrosses and other native birds by respectful cooperation with private landowners, government agencies, scientists, businesses, schools, and conservation organizations on the Hawaiian island of Kaua’i.  Founded in 2010, the network maintains active links with key individuals in organizations such as the American Bird Conservancy, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Hawai`i Wildlife Center, The Nature Conservancy, The Safina Center, Hawaiian Islands Land Trust, Save our Shearwaters, State of Hawai’i Department of Land and Natural Resources, United States Fish and Wildlife Service and more.  Among its priorities are to promote safe nesting habitat on Kaua’i; collect banding data and overall nesting success on private rural lands on Kaua’i; participate in predator control efforts; and publish photos and stories about Laysan Albatrosses – by way of books, videos and an active Facebook page.

Hob Osterlund on Kaua'i

The network was founded by renowned author and photographer, Hob Osterlund, a sixth-generation Hawai`i resident living on Kaua’i,  Hob has written to ACAP Latest News in support of this year’s inauguration of a World Albatross Day on 19 June: “The Kaua’i Albatross Network is excited about supporting World Albatross Day.  We had already booked events to help celebrate.  As for all of us, the formats made need adjustment, but our enthusiasm is constant.”

Holy Mōli: Albatross and Other Ancestors

Read ACAP Latest News’ review of Hob’s 2016 book Holy Mōli: Albatross and Other Ancestors.  She has also produced an award-winning eight-minute video, Kalama’s Journey, that tracks the hatching and growing up of a Laysan Albatross chick on Kauai that had been filmed by a live-streaming ‘bird cam’.

ALN looks forward to reporting on what Hob and the network get up to come 19 June. Whatever it might be in these difficult times of COVID-19, expect some good photography!

With thanks to Hob Osterlund.

John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 18 May 2020