During this period Scopoli’s Shearwater juveniles are leaving their nests. However, light pollution disrupts the behaviour of adult breeding seabirds and, moreover, causes young birds to become disorientated when they are taking their first flight to the sea, BirdLife Malta said.

It explained that in the coming days Scopolis Shearwater fledglings could end up grounded in places like Xlendi and Mgarr in Gozo, and Hal Far, Pembroke, Birzebbuga, Cirkewwa and Qawra in Malta.

BLM said that 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 BirdLife Malta staff to be safely released back at sea.

Should a member of the public find one, BLM is asking that they please follow these guidelines:

“Call BirdLife Malta on 2134 7645/6 (office hours)/7925 5697 (evenings and weekends) or the police on 119 in the first instance;

Record the location you found the bird as accurately as possible;

Approach the bird from behind. Pick up the bird using a clean cloth or towel, controlling the head and holding the wings against the body;

Place the bird in a well-ventilated cardboard box; Keep the box in a cool dark place; Do not attempt to feed the bird.”

To learn more on how to identify these young birds, the threats they face and what to do if you find a stranded fledgling please see this blog by LIFE PanPuffinus! Project Warden Rita Matos.

Xlendi, Gozo is the main hotspot for Scopoli’s Shearwater strandings due to the high levels of light pollution from the excessively lit promenade and coastal road. (Photo by Nathaniel Attard)

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