Species Info

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LEACH'S STORM PETREL

Baccalieu Island Ecological Reserve and Witless Bay Ecological Reserve are home to North America’s largest colonies of the Leach’s Storm-Petrel.  Petrels dig burrows for nests and lay one egg in May or June and hatch about 7 weeks later. Leach’s Storm-Petrels leave their burrows between September to November. These little birds make their way out to sea, where they remain until they are old enough to breed at 4-5 years old. Fledging occurs during the night to avoid predators such as Gulls, using the moon and stars as their navigation system, leading them out to the sea. These little birds become confused by the artificial lighting on land and can become stranded- unable to take flight from land they have no way back to the ocean. They are nocturnal birds that need to be released by the ocean at night as to avoid predators.

**These birds are black or dark grey, with a white patch on the rump, webbed feet and a distinctive tube nose. They are often found after a windy night huddled at the base of houses and buildings.

If you find a Storm Petrel please keep them in a dark vented box in a quiet area, safe from pets or human activity, until dark when they can be released at the ocean.

The Global population of Leach’s Storm Petrels has declined by over 30-40 % in the last 40 years. This drastic decline has prompted the species to be listed as Vulnerable* which is only one category below Endangered*

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

  • Dim or turn off unnecessary lighting during September – November or Try alternative lighting colours like amber, blue or green.
  • Use directional lighting facing downward, or motion lights.
  • If you find a Leach’s Storm-Petrel ( dead or alive) please contact The Rock Wildlife Rescue or CPAWS-NL by leaving a message on our Facebook pages or email - therockwildliferescue@gmail.com or nlpuffinpatrol@cpaws.org.

Storm Petrels can be dropped off to the rescue as we do mass releases each night during the fledging season. OR one of our volunteers may be able to pick up the Petrel.