BirdLife calls on public to help stranded seabirds

BirdLife Malta warns that young Scopoli's Shearwaters taking their first flight away from the nest can become disorientated by pollution and get stranded onland

A Scopoli's Shearwater
A Scopoli's Shearwater

BirdLife Malta has appealed to the public to be aware of young Scopoli’s Shearwaters becoming stranded onland, and to report such findings to the organisation  so that the birds can be safely released back to the sea.

“At this time of year, young Scopoli’s Shearwaters are taking their very first flight away from the nest and can end up becoming disorientated by light pollution, and getting stranded onland,” BirdLife conservation manager Nicholas Barbara said. “This is particularly common in areas such as Ħal-Far or Xlendi.”  

Scopoli’s Shearwaters breed on Malta’s sea cliffs during the summer months, each pair raising a single chick each. The young birds begin to venture out of the nest for the first time during October and, flying under cover of darkness, they follow the light on the horizon to guide them away from the coast. However, light pollution onland causes them to become disorientated and some end up inland, unable to fly back out to the sea.

Scopoli’s Shearwaters are recognised by their grey-brown back, contrasting with a white under side and a large yellow bill.

In the event of finding a stranded shearwater, BirdLife suggets placing it gently into a box, keeping it in a quiet place, and calling BirdLife on 2134 7644.