Stranded

A New Moon and a misty night aboard an ocean-going ship generates a sense of bittersweet anticipation. Flickering wings appear momentarily in the beam of the ship’s lights. A fatal attraction for a disorientated seabird. Crash landing, a muffled shuffling, sanctuary in a sheltered nook and resignation. Efforts to get airborne prove futile. Shipwrecked! Starvation, dehydration and death is inevitable without intervention.

On this occasion a benign presence locates the bird, checks it for injury and as dawn breaks the bird is returned to its element. Death is dodged and consequently, it may go on to live a long and productive life.

Jeff Clarke rescues and releases a stranded Pycroft's Petrel from a cruise liner. © Laura Dennis

In all probability the bird will have left a physical mark of indignation on the rescuer, but the fleeting interaction of two beings leaves a more indelible impression on the mind, at least for the human. A concern for how many seabirds may be lost in this way each year, on ships where human intervention is unlikely, or less caring, gnaws at the conscience. Salved only slightly by knowing that on this occasion the rescued bird has a reprieve and a second chance.