A record 155 nesting pairs of Roseate terns have been counted on Coquet Island in Northumberland, the highest number in more than 50 years. The annual seabird census surpassed the previous high of 154 pairs in 2022, before avian flu devastated seabird colonies across the UK.
Roseate tern recovery
Coquet Island is the only breeding colony of this species in the UK. The RSPB, which manages the reserve, says every additional nesting pair represents a step forward in population recovery. The charity's annual seabird count has not been finalised, but more than 150 Roseate tern fledglings have been counted so far. The record year remains 1970 with 230 breeding pairs, while the low was 34 pairs in 1985.
Puffin numbers rise
The census also recorded 27,170 breeding pairs of puffins in burrows, a 45% increase on last year's count of 18,704 pairs. This is the highest number of breeding puffin pairs on Coquet Island since 2018.
Sarah Dalrymple, RSPB reserve manager, said seeing the colony grow is a "cause for celebration". She added: "Puffin numbers do fluctuate annually, however, this increase in puffins is also encouraging news, especially after the puffin wrecks seen along the Northumberland coast earlier in the year. Although they are notoriously difficult to count accurately because they nest deep inside burrows, monitoring the colony year after year will allow us to understand all-important long-term trends, and this year's results are hugely positive."
Declines in other species
Despite the good news for Roseate terns and puffins, other species have seen declines. Sandwich tern breeding pairs fell by almost 34%, eider ducks by around 19%, and fulmars by around 24% compared with the previous year. RSPB experts say this is a stark reminder of the continuing pressures faced by seabirds, including food shortages, disturbance, predation, diseases and the multiple impacts of a rapidly changing climate.
Coquet Island is managed by a small team of RSPB wardens and volunteers and is not open to the public to protect its seabirds. However, visitors can enjoy views of the colony on boat trips from Amble, known as the UK's "friendliest port".
