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Hello Mr Petrel

 

 

Last week one night B and I arrived home from work when I noticed this guy sitting calmly on the road. At first glance we thought he was a duck but upon closer inspection we realized he was a very large bird. We had only just had a couple of days of rain so we googled what type of bird he was and it turns out he is a juvenile Westland Petrel who normally lives out at Punakaiki which is about maybe 30 minutes away. 

We phoned the DOC emergency helpline and they advised they would send someone out the next day to pick him up. In the meantime we wrapped him in a towel, put him in a box in a quiet spot in the garage so he could rest. When he was picked up the next day the DOC officer said he had probably gotten blown away from the coastline and had stopped to have a rest. 

Linking up with Through my lens, Ruby Tuesday, Tuesday Treasures, My corner of the world and Wordless Wednesday.

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Comments

local alien said…
Thank goodness he let you pick him up. And thank goodness you have people you can turn to for help. Well done for stopping to help!
20 December 2022 at 06:20
Kenneth Cole Schneider said…
That certainly was an act of kindness which saved the bird's life.
20 December 2022 at 07:20
roentare said…
So cute and nice for you to protect and care for them
20 December 2022 at 09:35
Bill said…
So nice of you to stop and help the bird.
20 December 2022 at 10:57
Bruce Stuart-Menteath said…
This is a fledgling Westland petrel, most likely on it's first flight out to sea from its breeding grounds just south of Punakaiki - the only place on the world where these rare birds touch land. Every year during the fledging stage, November and December, numbers of them become disoriented by bright lights on the ground, particularly anywhere between Westport and Hokitika, which causes them to crash land nearby. Even if uninjured they will not be able to take off again unless they find a raised launch site ... most unlikely. You can help by turning off outside lights when they aren't necessary or fit shades over them to prevent light spill that the petrels can see.
20 December 2022 at 11:06
Susan Heather said…
Well done you and DoC
20 December 2022 at 12:35
Tom said…
...we all need a rest now and then.
21 December 2022 at 01:42
Tigger's Mum said…
That is so cool. We hope it makes full recovery - will DOC send you any updates? That was good of Bruce to give us info about them. We didn't realize they were like the Royals at Tairoa Head near where F is from - rarely touch land. regards to all your feline family xxx Mr T
21 December 2022 at 02:09
magiceye said…
Oh Wow! Thanks to you the bird lives another day!
21 December 2022 at 02:11
Sharon said…
Oh wow, I'm so glad you saved him. I hope he recovers and gets back out in the wild once again.
21 December 2022 at 04:10
William Kendall said…
Good of you to look after this fellow.
21 December 2022 at 06:00
NCSue said…
Thank you for sharing at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2022/12/wishing-you-peace-on-earth-good-will.html
21 December 2022 at 10:56
Amila said…
Glad you saved this bird's life. A great act of kindness!
Have a great day!
21 December 2022 at 14:02
Pisi Prkl said…
Mother Nature thanks you I reacon. Heart-warming story just pre X-mas. Very apt.

Merry X-mas to you and yours!! 🎅
21 December 2022 at 15:32
Iris Flavia said…
Awwww, Great you took care.
21 December 2022 at 17:49
Lachezar said…
Beautiful Christmas story! Merry Christmas Amy!
26 December 2022 at 08:57
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