SPEA calls for volunteers to rescue fledgling shearwaters in Madeira

SPEA-BirdLife Madeira is recruiting volunteers for night-time rescue brigades running from 23 October to 5 November, when young Cory's shearwaters leave their nests for their first flight over the ocean. Disoriented by light pollution, many fall onto roads or near buildings instead of reaching the sea. Volunteers will patrol the island's east coast, between Câmara de Lobos and São Jorge, to find and release stranded birds, with no prior experience required. Since the project began in 2022, 388 volunteers have taken part. The group also urges residents to reduce outdoor lighting at night near the coast.