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Puffin's Rare River Journey Puzzles Birdwatchers
14 Nov
Summary
- A puffin was sighted far inland on the Tees Barrage, an unusual occurrence.
- Birdwatchers note the puffin's behavior suggests it may be disoriented or seeking food.
- Despite its rarity, intervention is not advised if the bird appears healthy and active.
A puffin has been sighted on the Tees Barrage, an unusual event that has intrigued birdwatchers. This seabird typically inhabits the sea or nests on coastal cliffs and offshore islands. Its appearance on the Tees Barrage, a structure located 22 miles inland from the river's mouth, is considered exceptionally rare.
The puffin has been observed paddling short distances both upstream and downstream, exhibiting behavior that some describe as seeming unsure of how to leave the area. Local birdwatcher Martin Blick noted it as a first-time sighting at the Tees Barrage and speculated the bird might have a faulty navigation system or be following fish.
While the puffin seems healthy, intervention is generally not needed if the bird is actively swimming and diving, as it suggests it may be feeding. However, the public has been urged to keep their distance to avoid disturbing the creature. A large puffin colony resides on the Farne Islands, approximately 75 miles away, where recent surveys indicated a decline in breeding pairs.
Recent annual surveys revealed a 12% decrease in breeding puffin pairs, dropping from 38,559 last year to 33,939 this year. The National Trust also reported long-term monitoring showing declines exceeding a fifth since 2018 in puffin populations at neighboring colonies.
