Sandwich tern success at Forvie National Nature Reserve

This is particularly good news after colonies were devastated by avian flu two years ago. The peak count of 1,102 fledged young was the highest recorded at the reserve since at least the mid-1980s.

Forvie is hugely important for the species, a summer visitor to our coastline, with up to 10% of the UK population breeding there some years.

Each year, staff and volunteers erect a special enclosure on the south of the reserve to help protect the nests of this species, as well as other terns, gulls and eiders, from disturbance. Efforts with fencing and monitoring appear to have paid off this year.

NatureScot Reserve Manager Catriona Reid said: “Two years ago, the Sandwich tern colony at the reserve was devastated by avian flu, with more than 800 fledglings found dead. So, when it comes to seabirds and all the challenges they face, it’s rare good news that this year we had a strong colony of 1,010 pairs.

“Even better, the peak count of 1,102 fledged young was a record in the 25 years I’ve worked for NatureScot, and going back even further to the 1980s. It’s been great to see the species bounce back here.

“As a special place for wildlife, much of which rates as nationally or even internationally important, our thanks go to all the visitors who respect the closure of south Forvie during the breeding season, minimising disturbance and allowing the birds the best possible chance of success.”

The reserve also had a record year for ringing, with more than 1,000 young Sandwich terns ringed, representing between a half to a third of the Sandwich terns ringed in the UK annually. Ringing helps us to track changes in bird populations from year to year.

One of these was a particularly interesting leucistic tern, featuring entirely white plumage and pale legs and bill. This bird was ringed and was subsequently recorded again in Lothian and north-west England on its southward migration.

Other tern species also did well this year, with a mixed colony of 509 pairs of Arctic and 112 pairs of common tern fledging at least 272 young.

Meanwhile although only nine pairs of little tern settled to breed, at least 11 young fledged - the second-highest productivity per nest in the last decade.

National Nature Reserves (NNRs) are special places where everyone can enjoy the very best of Scotland’s landscapes, habitats and species. They help protect an amazing range of wildlife and landscapes, including many rare species and habitats of international importance.

NatureScot manages 29 National Nature Reserves, covering 41,300 hectares or 0.54% of Scotland’s land.

ENDS