In April 2017 we had an increased number of Cook’s Petrels at our Green Bay Centre. When flying from one coast to the other (East to West), the lights at night confuse them – they think roads are the sea. Once they have landed they become stranded as they need a cliff top or other high point to take off from. It is extremely important that they are picked up and brought to the rescue centre so they can be cared for and released at night (they are nocturnal). When they are released they soar out to sea, it is a fantastic sight!
These lovely birds only breed in New Zealand on 3 small Islands. Little Barrier, Great Barrier and Codfish Island. When not breeding they migrate to the Pacific ocean. They feed mainly on fish and squid with some crustaceans. The species population is decreasing and is classified as vulnerable and easily threatened because of the limited areas for breeding. The nose of the Cook’s Petrel is long and black with tubular nostrils on both sides, which is unusual as it gives them an acute sense of smell. The scientific name is Pterodroma cookii. They are only 25-30cm in size with a wingspan of 65-66 cm. This species is highly pelagic except when nesting and rearing young. A pelagic bird is one that inhabits the open oceans.