Name: Fork-tailed storm-petrel
Species: Oceanodroma furcata
Popular and common variants / subspecies / other names: Shearwater, snow petrel, fulmar, Bermuda petrel
Geographic distribution: The petrel is found off the Pacific Coast in the northern United States, Canada, and Alaska, as well as in Europe.
Environment: A seabird, the petrel lives along coasts, spending most of its time at sea.
Physical description: The storm-petrel is a small grey to bluish-grey seabird with a swallow like silhouette. It measures approximately 8 inches long with a wingspan averaging 17 inches, and weighs about 2 ounces.
Interesting facts: Storm-petrels are pelagic, meaning they only return to land to breed, where they nest in colonies. They spend the majority of their time in the air or on the water. They feed by hovering just above the water, often with their feet touching it, giving the impression that they are standing or walking on the water’s surface. Chicks are not fed in bad weather; if the chick’s metabolism isn’t maintained, it slips into torpor and ceases growth until the weather clears up and the parent returns to revive it with body warmth and food.
Myths, folklore, and cultural associations: The name petrel is said to derive from the name of Saint Peter, who managed to walk on water when he saw Jesus doing so, although Peter sank when his faith wavered. The petrel presents the illusion of walking on water when it flies just above the surface, looking for food.
A petrel seen close to shore is often interpreted as a sign of bad weather coming, as the bird is thought to have been blown inland. Petrels will sometimes follow ships in the approach of a storm in order to shelter in the lee of the ship, the side protected from the wind.
Storm-petrels were once called Mother Carey’s chickens. Mother Carey is a folkloric figure whose name may be a corruption of Madre cara, dear mother, a prayer to the Virgin Mary. The Bermuda petrel, known as a cahow, is the national bird of Bermuda.
Omens and divinatory meaning: The chick’s ability to go torpid and put growth on hold until bad weather clears is significant. The petrel may be advising you to pull back and hibernate for a bit until storms have passed, at which time you can resume your activity. The petrel may also be warning you of approaching bad weather, either literal or figurative.
The petrel can be encouraging you to have faith in yourself and your abilities. Don’t doubt yourself, or you may start to sink. Have faith in what you’re doing.
Associated energies: Energy conservation, faith
Associated seasons: All year
Element associations: Air, water
Color associations: Grey, blue-grey, white