SHOULD WE BE WORRIED?
Some 15 to 20 years ago it was not uncommon for Storm Petrels to be
found in the foyer of the Deep Cove Hostel. They often seemed to have
been blown into the foyer, possibly attracted by the light on in
there, but often on a Nor West night. The hostel manager at the time used
to collect them in the morning and keep them safe until they could be returned
to the wild the next night.
These small birds apparently live at sea all of their lives except when
nesting and have such fine legs that they can not stand.
Storm Petrel
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I am unaware of any of these
birds being seen at Deep Cove since that period and certainly not in recent
times. Why and what has changed?
While
there is is considerable concern for the well being of Dolphins particularly with the
suggestion that their numbers are in decline and that the tourist boats are to
blame, could it not be that the food stocks of both of these species have been
affected in recent times? Is it possible that these birds don't
come into Deep Cove now as their food is no longer there to attract
them? or could there be other reasons?
May be the species can flourish without the need to come into Deep Cove, it would however be interesting to hear your thoughts.
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