Biologist Account: Heather:
"Popoi'a was a nice change from the last 2 trips to Mokoli'i. It's a nice flat island (of course) that's easy to walk around. You don't have to worry about crushing burrows as much because the birds nest in natural limestone cavities and the island is dominated by native plants. What a great little islet! I also enjoyed the group of a hundred or so shearwater adults that rests on the islet. They just huddle together in a big group in the center of the islet. Early in the breeding season, these groups were very active - courting and fighting. Now, these birds look just plain exhausted. Most can't keep their eyes open and their feathers are worn and tattered along the margins. Only a month to go before their done feeding their chicks."