Join marine biologist Susan Scott for a release event for her latest book, “Hawai‘i’s White Tern, Manu-o-Ku, an Urban Seabird,” at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 17 at Volcano Art Center’s Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village.
During the evening, the book will be available for purchase, with Scott donating royalties to the Hawaii Audubon Society. She has been a member of the society since 1988. Scott also will give a slide show called “It Takes a Hui: How citizen scientists, researchers, government employees, educators, wildlife groups, writers, photographers, tree trimmers, birders, office workers, condo dwellers and others have come together to help Hawaii’s White Terns.”
In 1961, a pair of white terns laid an egg and raised Oahu’s first white tern chick near Hanauma Bay. Since then, the birds’ numbers in Honolulu have steadily increased.
In 2007 the white tern, or manu-o-ku in Hawaiian, was designated the official bird of the City and County of Honolulu. Today, white terns are a common sight in Honolulu.
In bringing together data about white terns from Hawaii and abroad, Scott crafted a reliable, informative resource filled with remarkable photographs for anyone curious about manu-o-ku.
This event is part of a once-a-month Thursday night series at VAC, focusing on art, Hawaiian culture and the environment. The series is intended to inspire, enhance participants’ appreciation of art and life experience, while fostering community connections.
The presentation is free, although a $5 donation is greatly appreciated.
The Ni‘aulani Campus is located at 19-4074 Old Volcano Road in Volcano.
For more information, visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.