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Stranded seabirds
During strong gales seabirds, such as gannets, fulmars, Leach's petrels, Manx shearwaters and little auks may get blown inland and find themselves stranded.
The most likely time of year to find seabirds stranded inland is during the autumn, when large numbers of them are on the move around our coasts.
These birds are usually tired and disoriented and can be fed, with difficulty, on strips of raw fish or small, whole raw fish.
They should be returned to the sea as soon as possible. It is best to release shearwaters in the evening, or at night.
Last modified: 05 November 2009
The RSPB does not run bird hospitals or a rescue service. The RSPCA (England and Wales), SSPCA (Scotland) and USPCA (Northern Ireland) are the national charities that help and advise on sick and injured birds and animals. Tiggywinkles and The Swan Sanctuary also take in wild birds in need of care.