October is the fledging season for Scopoli’s Shearwaters…and they need the public’s help – BirdLife Malta is calling on the public for their support in spotting stranded seabird fledglings which become disorientated due to light pollution.

Once grounded on land, these seabirds struggle to take off and are at high risk from predators, dehydration or starvation without timely help.

As in the past fledging seasons of these secretive birds, BirdLife is therefore calling on the public to report to them any sightings or findings of stranded Scopoli’s Shearwaters.

BirdLife explained that stranded birds are most likely to be encountered in the early morning or late evening in localities like – Xlendi and Mgarr in Gozo and Pembroke, Birzebbuga, Hal Far and Cirkewwa in Malta. However, they could may turn up in almost any location.

The NGO said that at this time of year, young Scopoli’s Shearwaters fledge and leave their remote cliff- side nesting locations for the first time, heading for the open sea.

BirdLife further explained that the light pollution from bright coastal lights can leave these young seabirds disorientated increasing their chances of becoming stranded inland in roads, seafronts, ports, towns, and other urbanised areas.

Once they are stranded they are unable to fly back out to sea – where they spend the majority of their lives – putting their survival in danger, the NGO said.

“Where possible, stranded birds should be collected and gently placed in a cardboard box. The birds should not be given any food or water, but kept in a quiet place until they are retrieved by trained BirdLife Malta team members to receive a health check from the vet, proper care at rehab, and release it back into its natural habitat once it’s ready to continue its journey.

BirdLife Malta can be reached on 2134 7645 (office hours) or 7925 5697 (evenings/weekends). The Police can also be contacted on 119 if needed.

BirdLife Malta’s LIFE Arcipelagu Garnija project is working to reduce the impacts of light pollution close to the colonies to ensure long-term protection of seabirds.

“It is only with the support of the public who report the stranding of young seabird chicks that BirdLife Malta is able to rescue and release them back into safe locations at night, allowing them to continue with their journey at sea,” they said.

Photo – A rehabilitated Scopoli’s Shearwater fledgling before its release (Photo by LIFE Arcipelagu Garnija)

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