Powerful winter storms along the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador have led to a unusual and concerning event: the stranding of small, penguin-like seabirds known as dovekies. These Arctic birds, far from their usual offshore habitat, have been found blown onto land following a series of severe weather systems.
Rescue and Release in Triton
One notable incident occurred in the town of Triton, located on the island's northern peninsula. On December 28, 2025, a dovekie was discovered next to a local arena. A man named Devin Roberts was involved in the bird's recovery, as shown in a handout photo provided by Danielle Thomas. Fortunately, this story had a positive outcome. The rescued dovekie was later safely released back into the ocean, giving it a second chance after its unexpected landfall.
Understanding the "Little Auk"
Dovekies, sometimes called "little auks," are petite, black-and-white seabirds that bear a striking resemblance to miniature penguins, though they are not closely related. They are adept swimmers and divers, spending the vast majority of their lives far out at sea in the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. They only come to land to breed on remote, rocky cliffs in the high Arctic. Their presence onshore in Newfoundland is a clear indicator of the disruptive power of the recent storms, which exhausted the birds and blew them off course.
Storms and Wildlife Vulnerability
This event highlights the vulnerability of wildlife to extreme weather events, which may be intensifying due to climate change. While dovekies are a resilient species adapted to harsh marine environments, severe and persistent storms can overwhelm them, leading to wrecks where multiple birds are stranded. Such events are often monitored by wildlife officials and conservation groups, as they can impact local populations. The safe release of the dovekie in Triton demonstrates a commendable community awareness and response to distressed wildlife.
Residents in coastal areas of Newfoundland and Labrador are occasionally familiar with such occurrences, but each event serves as a reminder of the dynamic and sometimes harsh intersection of ocean and land. Experts typically advise the public to contact local wildlife rehabilitation centers if they encounter stranded seabirds, as handling them requires care to avoid causing further stress or injury to the animals.
