New late-night rescue team to protect lost seabirds in south Tenerife
Adeje Town Hall has increased its efforts to protect one of the Canary Islands’ most iconic seabirds, the Cory’s shearwater, by introducing a new night-time collection service for rescued birds. The initiative is part of the island-wide rescue campaign led by the Tenerife Cabildo and aims to save young birds that become disoriented by artificial lights during their first flight to the sea.
The extended service has been launched by the Department of Tourism and Sustainability under Councillor Patricia Paulsen Fölling, and will operate from the Adeje Youth Centre on Avenida Rosa de los Vientos in El Galeón. Rescued birds can now be handed in during the following hours: Monday to Friday from 8 am to 3 pm, 4 pm to 8 pm, and 10 pm to 6 am; and weekends from 8 am to 4 pm and 10 pm to 6 am.
This new timetable ensures that rescue teams can respond during the crucial night hours when most young shearwaters become dazzled by city lights, fall to the ground, and are unable to take flight again. Due to renovation works at the Fañabé Local Police Station, birds should only be taken to the Youth Centre this year.
Councillor Paulsen explained that the expansion of the service addresses “a real need,” adding: “We want Adeje to have an immediate and coordinated response that guarantees the safe rescue of these birds.”
Adeje continues to play an active role in the Cabildo’s Campaign to Rescue Young Cory’s Shearwaters, while also renewing its support for El Primer Viaje (“The First Journey”), an environmental education project by the Canary Islands Tourism Excellence Association. Both initiatives promote the conservation and rescue of seabirds during their first flight to the ocean.
“Adeje’s participation in both campaigns shows our firm commitment to protecting biodiversity,” said Paulsen Fölling. “We’re not only carrying out rescues but also raising awareness among residents, schools, tourism professionals, and local staff.”
There are two main goals: reducing exterior lighting in public buildings to protect seabirds, and educating both residents and visitors about how to respond if they find a fallen bird.
Educational and rescue activities
On 6th November, students at IES El Galeón will take part in an educational talk to learn more about Cory’s shearwaters and the importance of protecting them. Environmental patrols and bird release events will also take place over the coming weeks, depending on weather conditions and recorded sightings.
Why they need rescuing
Cory’s shearwaters nest in cliffs and ravines, and when chicks are ready to fly, they begin their first journey to the sea, guided by the moon and stars. However, bright coastal lights can confuse them, causing them to crash-land and become trapped on the ground, where they face danger from cars and predators. This occurs every year between late October and early November, prompting annual rescue efforts involving authorities, environmental groups, and volunteers.
What to do if you find a Cory’s shearwater
If you find a fallen or dazzled shearwater, call 112 immediately, or contact:
- Adeje Local Police: 922 747 206 (after 6 pm and at night)
- Adeje Civil Protection: 10 am to 6 pm
- Tenerife Wildlife Recovery Centre: 922 445 777
If you need to care for the bird temporarily, handle it gently using gloves, cover it with a towel, and place it in a ventilated cardboard box in a quiet, cool place. Do not feed it, give it water, or tie its wings. Contact the relevant authorities as soon as possible so they can safely collect and release the bird.
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