From August to October, the Puffin & Petrel Patrol helps rescue puffin and petrel chicks that lose their way due to bright community lights near the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. These little seabirds sometimes end up in unexpected places like roads and parking lots—and that’s where the Patrol steps in to guide them safely back to the ocean.
Please note: The Puffin Patrol operates independently and simply uses our facilities. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please reach out to them directly.
Volunteering with the Puffin and Petrel Patrol
The rescue program typically runs throughout the month of August, though the exact timing and number of pufflings needing help can vary each year.
To participate:
– Follow the Puffin and Petrel Patrol on social media for the latest updates.
– Join a night patrol or attend a morning public puffin release—no registration needed.
Night patrols:
– Run nightly from 8:30 PM to 12:30 AM.
– Volunteers walk or drive through the community searching for stranded seabirds.
Rescued birds are:
– Weighed and tagged, then
– Released the next morning—either from a beach or by boat.
Pre-registration is required for patrols
Upon arrival, you’ll:
– Be asked to sign a waiver.
– Receive a Canadian Wildlife Service permit to handle the birds during the program.
Training and equipment (e.g., flashlights, nets, vests, gloves) are provided, but:
– You’re encouraged to bring your own gear, as supplies may run low on busy nights.
If you have found a stranded seabird
If you come across a stranded puffin or petrel, please contact the Puffin Patrol as soon as possible.
In the meantime, place the bird in a cool, dark, and quiet spot. When you’re near a safe coastal area, bring the bird to an isolated, dark location along the shoreline. Gently hold it out on your hand and allow it to take off on its own—or softly toss it upward and out over the water.
Please keep in mind: these birds are often frightened and exhausted, so handle them with great care and kindness.
For more information contact the patrol directly at nlpuffinpatrol@cpaws.org.
The Details
Puffin Releases with O’Brien’s Boat Tours
Puffin releases will take place during O’Brien’s Boat Tours at 11:30 AM on Tuesdays—when puffins are available for release. Reservations are required to join the tour.
Please note: Puffins are released back to sea by the Puffin Patrol team. Guests will not handle the birds during the release.
The Puffin and Petrel Patrol recommends following their social media pages and checking daily updates during puffin season for the latest information on patrols and release events.
Planning Your Trip
The Puffin and Petrel Patrol primarily operates in the communities of Witless Bay, Bay Bulls, Mobile, and Tors Cove—located about a 30-minute drive from St. John’s.
You’ll find plenty of great accommodation options in and around these communities, including cozy B&Bs and Airbnbs.
If camping is more your style, La Manche Provincial Park is the closest campground, located roughly 25 minutes from Bay Bulls.
