In recent weeks there have been more than a few reports of Dovekies and other seabirds found on our local beaches, both alive and dead. Friend Jeff Papows has found several dead birds and has returned one live Dovekie and one Common Murre.
Jeff knew just what to do with the stranded birds, which is to return them to the water. Jodi Swenson, from Cape Ann Wildlife, recommends this is best. She shares that seabirds do not do well in rehab. If on the other hand the bird appears sick or emaciated, then please call Tufts at (508) 839-7918.
Dovekies, like many seabirds, are clumsy on land, however they do nest on land, so we know they are able to walk. Then why are they stranding? It most commonly happens to young, inexperienced birds. But stranding can also happen in great numbers to exhausted adults after large storms. This influx is known as a wreck. One of the most tragic and dramatic wrecks occurred along the East Coast in 1932, when thousands of Dovekies literally “rained” from the sky.
Photos Jeff Papows
We’d like to get an understanding of how many seabirds are washing ashore. If you have seen a Dovekie, or other species of seabird, dead or alive on the beach this winter, please write and let us know when and where. Thank you so much.
Common Murres are more crow-sized whereas Dovekies are more similar in size to an American Robin
Dovekie front view
Dovekie side view
Common Murre, winter plumage. Photo courtesy wikicommons media
I know we are well out of your range, but we found three dead birds that appear to be dovekies on Atlantic Beach, NC at Ft. Macon on March 12, 2021 — have you had other reports of strandings this far south this winter?
No ,but I don’t hear much from this area. I am sorry that happened 🙁
Jan 2022 – found one stranded in eastern Nova Scotia. Was tired but appeared to be in good health. Released them in the water, along the shore.
Good to know Kate!!
My daughter just found a Dovekie, near our condo, in Virginia Beach VA. She called Wildlife Conservation, and they said return it to the water. We are close to a water way and she took it there. She went back later & it was gone.
My son found a Dovekie during a storm in Scituate, MA. He put it in the water the next day but it wouldn’t leave and kept coming back to shore. He will try again tomorrow.