Shearwater young have begun to emerge from their burrows on LHI. The two species of shearwater that breed near roads are the flesh-footed shearwater (Ardenna carneipes) and wedge-tailed shearwater (Ardeena pacificus). 

Both are at risk of being run over by cars where their nesting colonies are dissected by roads.

Black-winged petrels (Pterodroma nigripennis) will also be fledging soon.

How you can help

Drivers can help to protect our young Shearwaters by slowing down around known nesting areas and taking the time to ‘shift a shearwater’ or ‘move a mutto’ off the road.

Shearwaters are clumsy on land and are disorientated and startled by lights. Driving around them is often not effective at preventing unwanted deaths.

Outdoor lights can also disorient and attract shearwaters – so turning yours off at this time of the year helps.