Dovekies have been spotted all over the Island recently as a result of the high winds. They do not do well on land.

Once grounded, the birds become weak and can't fly.

The birds need help, said Dwaine Oakley an instructor in the wildlife conservation technology program at Holland College.

"Most times we only get to see them at a great distance, off of East Point while we're using our spotting scopes," said Oakley. "The strong winds are great for bringing the seabirds close to the shore … I've even had one call that someone said it showed up in their horse barn. Unfortunately, this one didn't make it."

Small seabirds victims of foul weather
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/story/2010/12/24/pei-...

The small sea birds blown ashore on northern P.E.I. coastlines in wild wind storms just before Christmas have been identified.

Fish and wildlife section manager Gerald MacDougall says the birds as dovekies. They are black and white, smaller than crows, and resembled small penguins with wings.

MacDougall, who used to collect and release the birds when he was a conservation officer, said the recent storms have brought about the largest influx in numbers of dovekies to P.E.I. he seen in his time with fish and wildlife.

Unable to take off from land and only feeding on marine food, the dovekies need to be collected and released at sea in order to survive.

Wildlife official identifies mystery bird
http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/News/Local/2011-01-09/article-2101973/Wildl...