The Corys Shearwater
The shearwater (Calonectris diomedea) is the most abundant seabird in the Azores. They gather in colonies located on the coastal cliffs and islets, which gather hundreds of birds. Its night songs are very peculiar, some similar to human crying. It is one of the oldest birds that exists on the Earth’s surface and belongs to the Procellariidae family. The largest concentration of shearwater in the world occurs in the Azores, of the subspecies C.d. borealis, but due to being very vulnerable to terrestrial predators and human activities, this species is in decline worldwide, and it is very important to guarantee its protection.
Shearwater are pelagic birds, that is, they are seabirds adapted to life on the high seas, the color of their plumage is dark above and below, the tail is black and the head is grey-brown, the wings and the back is brown on top. The beak is yellow and strong, with a darker tip, and the legs are short and pink. They feed on fish, squid and crustaceans. They can reach 40 years of age.
In March, after spending a few months in the South Seas, they return to the Azores to start an eight-month breeding period, generally in the same location as the previous year. They breed in colonies located on coastal cliffs and islets, which gather hundreds of birds. But the shearwater is faithful, each couple usually stays together for life. (…)
The Azores are the world’s most important area for shearwater, which is protected by national and international laws (Bern Convention – Annex II, Birds Directive-Annex I and Decree-Law No. 140/99 of 24 April). It is prohibited to illegally capture, detain, or kill these birds and destroy or damage their habitats. (…) in Vidalia Magazine nº 22
To learn more: http://terralivreacores.blogspot.com/search/label/cagarro
Procedures for saving Corys Shearwaters
In October or November, the young shearwaters begin their migration and apparently guide themselves by the stars, but when they start their first flight, mainly on cloudy nights, they are attracted by the lights of towns and cars, and many are killed by collision and being run over.
Another factor that can be dangerous for this species is related to the spring tides which, together with the winds, can make a bird exceptionally gifted for marine life to find one of its obstacles in its attempt to migrate at sea.
What you should do if you find a crater:
• Approach the shearwater slowly, wearing gloves;
• Calmly and safely cover the body of the shearwater with a coat, a blanket or towel;
• Without hurting him, hold the shearwater by the neck and tail, in order to involve your entire body;
• Place it in a cardboard box, carefully;
• Keep it in the box at night, in a quiet and dark place;
• Release the crater the next morning, by the sea, landing carefully on the floor.
Don’t worry if the bird takes some time to react and fly to the sea, as it will continue its journey when it feels ready.
Don’ts:
• Do not approach the bird when you do not know exactly how to proceed;
• Do not hold the bird by one wing or both wings, nor allow it to spread its wings, as it will become more and more agitated;
• Do not give water, food or medicine;
• Do not throw the bird overboard as it will not fly straight away and may be unable to fly;
• Never force the bird to go to sea, it will continue its journey when it feels able to.