WOMEN IN SEABIRD SCIENCE
Saxony Charlot
she/her
Ornithological field technician
Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Hawai_i
Discipline
Conservation, Population Dynamics, Project Management, Science Communication
Regional Focus
Big Island, Hawaii; Papah_naumoku_kea, Hawaii
Years Active
6-10 years
Species Focus
Albatrosses (Diomedeidae), Frigatebirds (Fregatidae), Gulls and Terns (Laridae), Tropicbirds (Phaethontidae), Petrels and Shearwaters (Procellariidae), Gannets and Boobies (Sulidae), Storm-Petrels (Hydrobatidae & Oceanitidae)
Tell us about your work with seabirds.
I'm currently focused on the conservation of _ua_u and _ak__ak_ on Mauna Loa, Hawai_i. These endangered seabirds live in harsh, high elevation environments, with nests occurring from around 7000-10500 feet, but they used to occur in abundance from sea level up. Unfortunately, introduced predators such as feral cats have significantly reduced their populations. Most of my work right now revolves around avian monitoring and predator control. I first started working with seabirds in Papah_naumoku_kea from 2018-2023 where I lived and worked with a range of taxa. I'm also a conservation artist trying to bring attention to Hawai_i's ongoing extinction crisis!
What advice would you offer to individuals aspiring to pursue a career as seabird scientists?
Be open to working with taxa you aren't immediately drawn to, it's easy to fall in love with charismatic species, but the underdogs can have just as much personality and charm. Try to develop a practical skillset if you are at all interested in field work being able to diagnose basic mechanical issues, 4wd experience, some carpentry, knots. Even just being able to get dirty goes a long way. Formal education is best paired with outdoor practicality. Be sure to be quiet and calm when handling birds and encourage others to do the same. For boat work remember to bring the Bonine.
Saxony wearing warm clothes and a headlamp holding an _ua_u on Maunakea, Hawai_i Island. It is night time and the environment is mostly lava with no vegetation.
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@autochthonous_hawaii