Lajes Airmen campaign, help birds return to sea

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Angelique N. Smythe
  • 65th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
LAJES FIELD, Azores --  The Lajes Cory's Shearwater Rescue Campaign is on the road in support of the Azores SOS Cagarro campaign Oct. 15 through Nov. 15.

Also known as Cagarro in Portuguese, the Cory's Shearwater sea bird is unique in that 75 percent of the world's population mates here in the Azorean archipelago.

As such, these birds are protected by Portuguese and international laws, and the people of the Azores have a very important role in the conservation of this species.

During the months of October and November, the Cory's Shearwater birds leave their nests at night and fly for the first time for hundreds of miles. These birds are often disoriented by artificial light and fly inland instead of seaward.

"The birds leave their nests to fly south but become attracted to street lights and fly inland, hitting light poles or walls and falling on the ground," said Vitor Berbereia, 65th Civil Engineer Squadron environmental engineer. "They fall victims to predators or are hit by cars. Their nests can also be attacked by rats or cats, causing their population to decrease over time."

On Oct. 25 three Cory's Shearwater sea birds were released by Lajes' Airmen and Environmental team back to the sea.

"We're very happy to be a part of the conservation efforts for these birds," said Lt. Col. Teri French, 65th Civil Engineer Squadron commander. "This species is very unique to the area, and we want to be good stewards of our environment by helping to contribute to the safety of the Cagarros and participating in the SOS Cagarro Campaign. Today we helped three birds find their way back to the ocean."

The Cory's Shearwater spends most of the year at the sea. The adults return to the islands on which they were born for breeding and nesting each year in March and depart October through November. They are most active at night and produce a distinctive sound that can be heard at night on land. These birds can live up to 40 years.

"The Cory's Shearwater population is decreasing, but there are still over 188,000 breeding couples," said Berbereia.

On Oct. 23 a Lajes Field firefighter rescued a Cory's Shearwater sea bird.

Tania Carvalho, a 65th Civil Engineer Squadron Portuguese firefighter, saw the Lajes and Azorean Cagarro rescue campaign advertisements and wanted to take action by helping this bird return to sea.

Carvalho took the bird into her care by placing it safely into a box until the 65th CES Environmental team could retrieve it.

"The Air Force wants to ensure that Lajes activities do not negatively affect Terceira's environment and we want to take an active role in conserving the natural resources of the island," said Berbereia.

The SOS Cagarro Campaign encourages all to be cautions while driving along the coast.

If a Cory's Shearwater is found, base personnel can call the 65th CES Costumer Service at 295-57-3335, the Environmental Office at 295-57-6558 or Entomology at 295-57-6194. If called, these organizations will rescue and assist the birds in returning to sea.

One may also proceed as follows:
  1. Slowly approach the Cory's Shearwater using gloves.
  2. With calm and assurance cover the Cory's Shearwater with a coat, blanket or towel. One should not approach the bird if he or she does not know exactly how to proceed. 
  3. Without harming the Cory's Shearwater, hold its neck and tail, in order to involve the whole body. With care, place it in a cardboard box. Do not hold the bird by one or both wings nor allow it to spread the wings while holding it; this will cause it to become increasingly agitated.
  4.  Keep it in the box at night, in a quiet and dark place. Do not give it water, food or medicine.
  5. Release the Cory's Shearwater the next morning, laying it carefully on the ground, by the sea. Do not worry if the bird takes some time to react and fly to the sea, it will continue its trip once it feels ready. Never force the bird to go to the sea, and do not throw the bird towards the sea. If thrown, the Cagarro will not take flight directly and may become injured.