Storm Petrel, Hydrobates pelagicus

Local status: Very rare migrant

As this species is wrecked inland less frequently than Leach’s Petrel, Oceanodroma leucorhoa, it is interesting that the York area has hosted an equal number of individuals of this species. Sadly, both records were not observed in the field. The first was recovered alive from a cat before being presented to the Biology Department of the University of York, but it sadly died. The second was already dead when discovered. Small petrels are a target for predators when wrecked and combined with their often exhausted state, don’t usually survive very long.

Records:
1975: Sutton-on-the-Forest, 13th October. Found dead.
1974: Heslington, 15th October. Picked up alive, later died in care.

Unsubstantiated records:
2000: Bank Island, 1st November. One stopped before heading off north