A Cory's Shearwater specimen (Calonectris borealis), one of the most emblematic birds of the archipelago, was the first bird assisted at the newly opened Wild Birds Recovery Centre of S. Miguel.
 
The marine bird, an adult specimen, was found along the road in the village of Covoada in the municipality of Ponta Delgada by a resident who alerted the Environmental Services. It was rescued by a nature watcher who referred it to the new Recovery Centre.
 
The specimen, after examination, was released near the coastline and, thus, returned, to its natural habitat.
 
In addition to the new centre opened on S. Miguel, the Network of Wild Birds Recovery Centre also comprises the two existing centres on Corvo and Pico.
 
The archipelago of the Azores is a place of excellence for the occurrence of wild birds. The majority of its terrestrial fauna consists of endemic subspecies of common birds and two endemic species, “Priôlo” (Azores Bullfinch) and “Painho-de-Monteiro” (Monteiro's Storm-petrel); both have developed specific features due to the isolation of the islands.
 
The location of the archipelago in the middle of the North Atlantic is a stopping point for winter and migratory birds from the American and European continents.
 
Some of these birds are often found weak or injured and they need to be forwarded to a recovery centre, where they receive treatment and, afterwards, released.
 
In order to facilitate communication between those who find the bird and Island Natural Parks, which ensure its referral to recovery centres, the Regional Government has provided the SOS Birds Line (800 292 800).
 
This toll-free telephone line (free calls from mobile or landline) is available 24/7. It allows people to leave a message identifying the situation and the location of the birds outside office hours.