Home / Environment / Coquet Island Sees Fewer Eider Ducks This Year
Coquet Island Sees Fewer Eider Ducks This Year
24 Jun
Summary
- 269 eider duck nests counted on Coquet Island.
- Nest count dropped from 333 last year but similar to 2024.
- Island hosts 45,000 seabirds including terns and puffins.
Wildlife wardens have completed their annual census of eider ducks on Coquet Island, located off the coast of Northumberland. This year's count identified 269 eider duck nests, a figure that signifies a reduction from the 333 nests observed in the previous year.
However, the current nesting number is consistent with the 252 nests recorded in 2024. The annual census is crucial for conservationists to monitor the region's recognizable coastal birds and to gain a deeper understanding of how eider ducks utilize Northumberland's shores.
These birds, affectionately known as 'Cuddy Ducks,' have historical ties to Northumberland dating back to the 7th Century. Coquet Island is a significant sanctuary, supporting an estimated 45,000 breeding seabirds in total, including diverse species like terns, puffins, kittiwakes, and various gulls.
