Sir,
On behalf of the Oiled Bird Rescue Centre at West Williamston, I should be most grateful if you could include this letter in the next edition of the Observer referring to the annual emigration of young Manx Shearwaters, which takes them to the seas off Southern Portugal for their first winter and which occurs from the end of August through to early October.
Every year since this centre was opened in 1978, it has been involved in rescuing and helping these birds.
It is important to remind people that these nocturnal birds, once grounded, are unable to 'take off' from land and should be picked up and put into a box with air holes and brought to the Oiled Bird Rescue Centre at Lower House Farm, West Williamston, near Carew (tel: 01646 651236).
It is advisable that birds are checked to see all is well, and rested, before being released at dusk, from a headland overlooking the open sea where there are no lights as birds are attracted by them and will come back inland.
This year, in addition, we have two dropping-off collection points for birds: 1. Audrey Harrison, 16 London Road, Pembroke Dock (tel: 01646 683462); 2. Susan Rees, 14 Bishops Park, Upper Lamphey Road, Pembroke (tel: 01646 683462).
At no time should these rescued birds be put back on the sea during daylight as gulls will attack them and kill them.
Day-time is the 'normal sleeptime' for Manx Shearwaters and they wake up in late evening, hence the reason most people will find them at this time of day.
The Centre at West Williamston has always been run on a voluntary basis and people working here are pleased to meet and welcome anyone delivering birds and would appreciate their help and co-operation in saving these young birds.
Jean Hains,
Lower House Farm,
West Williamston,
Nr. Carew.