Home / Environment / Rare Birds Stage Remarkable Comeback on UK Coast
Rare Birds Stage Remarkable Comeback on UK Coast
30 Sep
Summary
- Rare seabird colonies show signs of recovery after bird flu and bad weather.
- Little terns achieved a record-breaking breeding season at Long Nanny.
- Sandwich terns returned to breed in Norfolk after a two-year absence.
Seabird colonies across the UK are exhibiting a promising recovery following periods of significant threats. Rare little terns at Long Nanny on the Northumberland coast have recorded an exceptional breeding season. This success is particularly noteworthy given the species' long-term national declines.
Further positive news comes from Blakeney Point in Norfolk, where over 1,100 pairs of Sandwich terns have returned to breed. This marks their comeback after a two-year absence from the site. The National Trust highlighted these achievements, noting they are encouraging despite the challenges seabirds have recently faced.
However, the charity cautioned against complacency, as species like Arctic terns remain under threat and are now on the UK's Red List. Despite avian flu in 2023 and nests lost to high tides and extreme weather in previous years, the Arctic tern colony at Long Nanny saw an increase in nests and eggs this season compared to last year.
