Ups and downs for Roseate Terns
05 Oct 2016
Roseate Terns are one of the most threatened birds in Britain and Ireland, nesting at as few as three sites every year. After a long term decline, targeted conservation action has boosted numbers of breeding pairs in recent years.
2016 was a largely successful breeding season, with the only colony in Britain at Coquet Island, Northumberland once again holding more than 100 pairs. This is an increase from just 24 pairs in 1999. In Ireland, over 200 pairs of Roseate Tern nested at Lady's Island Lake, Wexford for the second year running. Rockabill Island, Dublin is a crucial site for Roseates, with well over 80% of the British and Irish population breeding here. The Rockabill birds had a record year, with 1556 pairs counted. However, both Rockabill and Coquet reported lower productivity this year, linked to poor weather and feeding conditions.
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