The Predatory Bird Monitoring Scheme has been impacted by the occurrence of bird flu in UK wildlife and so, as we keep an eye on the situation, we are pleased to note the reopening of the Farne Island to visitors.
Two years ago the Farne Islands had to close to the public due to the devastation caused by the bird flu outbreak in spring 2022. Many of the island's bird species were affected by the flu causing populations to be decimated. The islands off the coast of Northumberland are home to species including Arctic terns, guillemots, common and sandwich terns, razorbills and puffins, which are always popular with visitors. The Farne Islands, owned by the National Trust, are a National Nature Reserve and an internationally important home to approximately 200,000 seabirds. More information can be found here: Farne Island Opening.
Unfortunately, a less positive report of avian influenza being found in Penguins on the sub-Antarctic Islands of South Georgia has been reported in recent days. This is the first time the virus has been detected in gentoo and king penguin populations on the islands. More information about the situation can be found here: South Georgia bird flu.