A recent decision by the Kauai Interscholastic Federation has moved high school football games from Friday nights to Saturday afternoons in an attempt to protect Newell's shearwaters from disorientation that can lead to death. According to USA Today, lights at Vidinha Stadium can confuse the birds, particularly fledglings, and approximately 30 of the endangered birds die annually because of light disorientation.

Newell's shearwaters are a protected species and the Federation could be fined up to $30,000 for each bird that dies because of stadium lights. Different techniques have been used to safeguard the birds, including spotters and moving games to different locations, but eliminating the use of lights is likely to be the most effective option. Some community resistance is expected, but it is hoped that drawing attention to the plight of the birds will help offset any severe protests.

Do you agree with the decision to move football games or other events to accommodate wildlife? Share your opinions in the comments!

Football
Photo © Ron Almog

Birds Before Football originally appeared on About.com Birding / Wild Birds on Wednesday, July 28th, 2010 at 09:29:18.

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