Seabirds blown ashore

Rockingham residents have been urged to be on the lookout for distressed sea birds on beaches in the area.

Two giant petrels were blown ashore at Rockingham and Secret Harbour in the past fortnight during rough weather.

One of the exhausted petrels died after being taken into care.

The petrels are clumsy on land and vulnerable.

WA Seabird Rescue treasurer Linda Emery said a third giant petrel was blown ashore at East Fremantle.

‘‘Volunteers have two of the petrels in care so they can rebuild condition and wing strength, and these birds were released at the weekend,’’ she said.

DEC senior wildlife officer Kevin Morrison said big storm-blown seabirds were often found during autumn and winter on the WA coast, thousands of kilometres from their breeding grounds.

‘‘At this time of year as storm fronts begin, many sea birds from the sub-Antarctic and Antarctic region are brought to our shores,’’ he said.

‘‘Often juvenile birds are disoriented, exhausted and weak from starvation as they have been unable to feed when caught in storm fronts.

‘‘Large storm-blown seabirds should not be approached, as they can inflict a nasty bite, and should be reported to DEC’s Wildcare Helpline or WA Seabird Rescue so they can be rescued, rehabilitated and released.’’

Giant petrels inhabit the Antarctic coast and sub-Antarctic islands, but can be found out to sea closer to Australia.

Juveniles are more susceptible to being blown to shore between May and October. They are usually a charcoal or brown colour, and they have a big straw-coloured bill with a large nostril tube.

People who see one should call DEC’s wildcare helpline on 9474 9055 or WA Seabird Rescue on 0418 952 683.