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Autumn signals a crucial moment for birds like shearwaters (cagarra), as it marks the time when their juvenile members depart from their nests and venture on their journey to the sea. For the dedicated professionals at the Portuguese Society for the Study of Birds (SPEA), this season prompts them to take to the roads on a rescue mission. However, their efforts are greatly bolstered by the assistance of volunteers. To ensure the safe journey of hundreds of these birds to the sea, SPEA is reaching out to the residents of Madeira island to join the Save a Seabird Campaign, which runs from October 15th to November 15th.
Elisa Teixeira, a committed technician from SPEA Madeira, is calling for volunteers who are willing to support this cause by conducting on-foot searches for birds in need. Volunteers can either carry out local foot patrols in their residential area on their free nights or opt for certified training and participate in the scientific brigades throughout the campaign, which runs from October 23rd to November 5th.
It is heartbreaking to learn that approximately 1,100 seabirds lose their lives due to light pollution in the Macaronesia region. This is a grave concern, especially given that seabirds are among the most endangered animal groups globally. During this season, these inexperienced birds are often lured by artificial lights, leaving them disoriented and prone to collisions with buildings, power lines, and vehicles. Stranded on the ground, they are unable to take flight, rendering them vulnerable to threats such as predators and vehicular accidents. Volunteers will be patrolling the streets of Madeira to rescue these iconic birds, which are particularly at risk during the new moon nights.
To become a volunteer in the Save a Seabird Campaign (October 23rd to November 5th), simply register through the form available on the SPEA website.
For those unable to volunteer, there is still an opportunity to contribute to the cause by turning off or reducing outdoor lighting, particularly between October 15th and November 15th, thus preventing these creatures from stumbling into our cities, as suggested by Elisa Teixeira.
The Save a Seabird Campaign is part of the broader LIFE Natura@night project, which aims to combat light pollution affecting the protected regions of the Madeira, Azores, and Canary Islands archipelagos and to reduce its impact on protected species. Similar seabird rescue campaigns are also underway in the Azores and Canary Islands, drawing support from hundreds of dedicated volunteers.
Join us in participating in the upcoming mega blackout scheduled for October 30th, running from 20:00 to 23:00. We encourage you to turn off your outdoor lighting to help create a safe pathway for young birds as they leave their nests and make their way to the sea. This initiative is part of the LIFE Natura@night crowdfunding campaign, where SPEA has pledged to switch off 1,000 lights across the island.
Contacts:
If you find a disoriented seabird with mobility issues, please contact the following numbers:
Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation, IP-RAM (IFCN)
SOS Wildlife Network (Madeira and Porto Santo) Telephone: (+351) 961957545 (weekdays from 9:00- 17:30)
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
OR
Republican National Guard
Nature and Environment Protection Service (SEPNA)
Madeira Territorial Command
Telephone: (+351) 291 214 460 (Weekdays 17:30-09:00 and weekends/holidays 24/7)
