Guam Sihek “happy” in the wild

The nine Guam Sihek flying in the wild in Palmyra Atoll are described as happy and thriving. KUAM News caught up with a Guam Olympian and conservationist who spent a few weeks there to monitor their behavior.

John Ewen, chair of the Sihek Recovery Project, said, "With all nine birds we have seen, they are looking in really good condition. They look happy. They are changing. They are growing up…they look in good condition. We have seen them interacting with each other. We have seen them foraging. There is an abundance of food out here. They really look happy."

Ewen shared the progress report about the Guam Sihek released into the wild on Palmyra Atoll in September. Guam Olympian and Wildlife Refuge Specialist for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Raina Taitingfong was there helping monitor the birds through the past few weeks. She reflects on the gravity of the moment.

"So, no one in my generation has actually seen it," she admitted. "My parents remember them behind our backyard and you know you slowly just heard our jungle die.  The sounds of the birds just slowly disappearing. So now I get to see it…you can hear the birds talk here. It is a really great experience and one I hope Guam will have one day."

The team will continue to track their progress. The community can follow regular updates on Instagram at @sihek_recovery_project.

Ewen said, "it's really encouraging, rewarding to see what we're seeing, that these birds, remember what they know, what the wild is. And they are really putting in that very robust little bird, and, adapting very well to life in the wild."