Public being urged to help stranded seabirds

Coastal communities in Kerry are being urged to help stranded seabirds.

Every year, some Manx Shearwater fledglings from Deenish, Scarriff, Puffin and the Skellig Islands can turn up onshore as they migrate to South America.

The young birds are attracted by artificial lights and could be found in back gardens and on roads.

The birds, which can live for up to 50 years, are unable to take off from a flat surface and need help to become airborne.

People who come across the birds are being asked to keep it safe and contact a BirdWatch Ireland volunteer who will release the birds at night; last year up to 70 birds were safely returned to the air.