During their night patrol at Wied Znuber yesterday, a group of rangers came across a stranded Scopoli’s shearwater at the Natura 2000 site.

The young bird likely became disoriented by the bright lights from the nearby industrial area of Birzebbuga during its first flight attempts, causing it to land and become stranded.

The rangers descended into the valley, rescued the bird, and safely brought it back up, later handing it over to BirdLife Malta for care.

Scopoli’s shearwater is a Mediterranean seabird that nests on rocky islands and steep coastlines, making the west coast of Malta an ideal breeding ground. After the breeding season, these birds typically migrate to the Atlantic, where they forage for small fish, cephalopods and crustaceans.

Wishing the little one the best of luck in its future flights!