By migration and accident, birds arrived in the Hawaiian-Emperor archipelago over the course of several millennia. They evolved to create one of the most unique ecosystems on the planet. Since that time, most of Hawai‘i’s endemic birds have not survived humanity’s time on the islands. Now, at 6,500 feet above sea level, where cumulus clouds form, bird scientists are exploring sophisticated genetic biology and continuing evolution, which may save both bird and man from the effects of a warming world.

Maui Bird Recovery Project: mauiforestbirds.org