A recent count of the puffin population on the Farne Islands off the coast of Northumberland has revealed that the birds’ numbers are in fact increasing despite initial fears that avian flu had caused damage. The endangered species has increased by 15% since 2019, with around 50,000 breeding pairs now believed to reside on the islands, which are managed by the National Trust. Speaking about the recent census, ranger Sophia Jackson said that the puffins’ habit of self-isolating in individual burrows helped them to weather the potential storm of avian disease.
Ms Jackson noted that the way puffins nest also helps to limit the spread of disease as they clean out their individual burrows. Other seabirds that nest in communal arrangements were not so lucky, seeing declines in their numbers as a result. Interestingly, there were fewer pairs recorded on the islands’ outer regions. One theory is that puffins may have relocated after stormy weather pushed grey seals into their territories, causing some burrows to collapse.
The Farne Islands along with neighbouring Coquet Island hold the largest puffin colonies in England. The rangers of the Northumberland-based islands were on hand to collect data over six weeks, carrying out the necessary checks and counting the burrows with fresh digging or newly hatched eggshells. Earlier this week, an additional five species of seabird were added to the UK red list of birds that require conservation assistance. Puffins were one of the five breeds already on the list.
While puffin numbers seem to be holding steady, cliff nesting birds such as the Shag may be having a more difficult time, with initial figures suggesting that their population is down by 75% on the islands’ inner regions. However, there is a glimmer of hope that the birds may have had a productive breeding season. Speaking on the issue, ranger Tom Hendry explained that “with any luck, next year’s count will show that like the puffins, they too have stabilised”.
Head of nature and restoration ecology at the National Trust, Ben McCarthy, emphasised the importance of ongoing monitoring. He noted that the Farne Islands serve as a vital bellwether for other seabird populations when it comes to how they are dealing with the impacts of climate change. Amidst all the progress, the rangers are committed to making the habitat as welcoming as they can for the puffins. Commenting on the task at hand, Ms Jackson said, “It’s hard work, but you’re their guardians and you do become attached to them, every single one.
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