Return to the wild: Lyman speaker to present update on ‘alala reintroduction efforts

The ‘alala, or Hawaiian crow, is making a comeback on the Big Island thanks to the ‘Alala Project. Photo courtesy of SAN DIEGO GLOBAL
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You usually hear them before you see them. There’s no mistaking the loud and often synchronized cacophony of caws from the 11 ‘alala released into the Hawaii Island Natural Area Reserve last fall.

These precious birds (seven young males and four young females) represent what conservationists hope is the genesis on our island of a recovered population of this critically endangered Hawaiian crow.

Rachel Kingsley of the ‘Alala Project will share insights about the birds’ return to the wild from 7-8:30 p.m. Monday (May 7) and 3-4:30 p.m. Tuesday (May 8) at the Lyman Museum.

Kingsley will discuss how predator aversion training and release location influenced the 2017 release, and provides the latest update on the reintroduction efforts, an up-to-the-minute status report on the released birds and plans for future reintroductions.

The presentation is part of the museum’s Saigo Public Program lecture series. Admission is free to museum members, $3 for nonmembers.

The nationally accredited and Smithsonian-affiliated Lyman Museum is located at 276 Haili St. in Hilo and showcases the natural and cultural history of Hawaii. Hours are 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

For more information, call 935-5021 or visit www.lymanmuseum.org.