The 2026 SMP Newsletter is here! Read it (and sign up to receive future editions) here: www.bto.org/our-work/sci... to find out about the SMP's 40th anniversary, latest developments, the science of seabird poo, and more! #birds #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

Out on Medway, doing Redshank survey. Landed on Nor Marsh (with permission) where nesting B/H Gulls. A check of other islands produced 390 Med Gulls & 170 Sandwich Terns😊 The latter in new nesting area following abandonment of usual beach. So Kent’s only colony survives!?🙏 @smp-seabirds.bsky.social

Puffin chicks have hatched on the Isle of May!! The blog has the story… isleofmaynnr.wordpress.com

(1/) Last but not least, we cover Northern Ireland for two up, two down. One of the most significant increases has been Blackcap. This warbler species increased by 725% across the country 1997-2024. @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspbscience.bsky.social @bto-ni.bsky.social #Ornithology

The SMP is lacking breeding success data. In 2025, colony count data were submitted for 861 sites, but breeding success data were submitted for just 133 sites. If you can monitor seabird breeding success, email us at [email protected]! #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

The recommended SMP colony count period for gulls starts today. Don't forget this includes Kittiwakes! #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

The recommended SMP colony count period for terns is here! As per the instructions of the Sandwich Tern below: Get surveying! #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

Friday, May 15th, is the start of the recommended SMP colony count period for terns. If you're ready for a raucous of noise, get ready to visit your local inland or coastal colony. Don't forget to submit your counts to the SMP! #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

No species is more fitting than Arctic Terns for World Migratory Bird Day; covering up to 90,000km a year! Help us understand seabird arrival and movement in the UK by submitting sightings to BirdTrack: www.bto.org/get-involved... #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

A record number of Puffin has been recorded on Skomer Island for the second consecutive year:

Seabird young are on their way! Making repeat visits to mapped nests is one method to record breeding success in SMP. Find out about more about this and other methods in the Seabird Monitoring Handbook: www.bto.org/sites/defaul... #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

It's time to get out surveying! The recommended colony count period for Puffins starts today and tomorrow for Cormorants! We look forward to seeing your data submissions to the SMP! #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

A reminder that the recommended colony count survey period for Black Guillemots ends on May 1st. If you haven't managed to survey your sites yet, please do still submit counts you complete that fall outside this period to the SMP! #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

The colony count period for Cormorants starts soon! Apparently Occupied Nests (AON) can be recorded at coastal and inland colonies for SMP. Please also submit tree nesting Cormorant records to the Heronries Census: www.bto.org/get-involved... @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

Not had a chance to read the 2024 SMP Report yet? We've compiled some key points on Puffins in the thread below ⬇️ ready for the start of their recommended colony count period! Read the full report here: www.bto.org/our-work/sci... #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

1/ Discover key findings from the 2025 Northern Ireland Seabird Report. ⬇️ @bto-ni.bsky.social #Ornithology #Seabirds

An Earth Day reminder that there is still plenty of time to participate in the SMP and contribute data to the conservation of species that call the UK home, be it year-round or whilst breeding: www.bto.org/get-involved... #earthday #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

(1/) The latest results from the Waterways Breeding Bird Survey make for interesting reading! Greylag Goose, whose population has been supplemented by introductions in recent years, continues to increase along linear waterways. @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspbscience.bsky.social

Puffin colony count surveys are recommended from April 30th. Multiple survey methods and recording units can be used to monitor them. Take a look at the graphic below to visualise the different units! ⬇️ #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

At a glance, Cormorants might seem drab, but closer inspection reveals some incredible plumage and facial features! Learn more about them in the graphic below and by visiting their BTO BirdFacts page: www.bto.org/learn/about-... #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

Perhaps our most familiar and charismatic auks, these bright-billed burrow nesters certainly catch the eye! Find out more about Puffins in the graphic below and by visiting their BTO BirdFacts page: www.bto.org/learn/about-... #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

Some important SMP dates are approaching! Soon, the recommended colony count period for Puffins and Cormorants starts. Keep an eye out for more posts over the next couple of weeks looking at these species and their survey methods! #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

Here are the answers to the tern test... How many did you get right, and did you spot the out-of-place Caspian Tern?! #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

1/ The 2025 BBS Report is out now! It was a record year for volunteers taking part, with 2,800+ visiting 4,058 survey squares across the UK, Channel Islands & Isle of Man. A huge thank you to our volunteers! @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspbscience.bsky.social #Ornithology

With spring comes the return of Britain and Ireland's breeding terns. Do you know their ID features well enough to know who's who of our five breeding terns below, and who's quite out of place?! Results later in the week. #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

Black Guillemot survey season is here! The best time to survey them is from first light to 9 am throughout April. To find out more and take part, head to: www.bto.org/get-involved... #seabirds #birds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

The Northern Ireland Seabird Report Launch is now LIVE! Stay tuned for exciting #seabird talks as we celebrate the efforts of our incredible volunteers, researchers and organisations! #Ornithology

The 2025 Northern Ireland Seabird Report has now been published! Head to: www.bto.org/our-work/sci... to read about how Northern Ireland's breeding seabirds fared in 2025 #seabirds #birds @btobirds.bsky.social @bto-ni.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

The 2024 SMP Report shows a decline in UK breeding Shags. Winter storms can cause mass deaths. Report any dead birds to: Eng/Wal/Scot: www.gov.uk/guidance/rep... NI: www.daera-ni.gov.uk/services/dae... ROI: aviancheck.apps.services.agriculture.gov.ie/report #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social

We’re pleased to announce the release of the 2024 Seabird Monitoring Programme report, in partnership with JNCC, in association with the RSPB. Click here to read the report: www.bto.org/our-work/sci... Read on for key findings ⬇️ #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

Despite their similar names, these two species are quite different! Did you know they use different breeding habitats, with Guillemots using cliff faces and Black Guillemots using rocky islets, harbours, and similar features? #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

How much do you know about Auks that breed in the UK? Add any additional facts that you know about Puffins and Razorbills in the comments below! #seabirds #birds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

The peak time to monitor Black Guillemots is fast approaching... Have a look at our quick guide below, and let us know if you're ready! #seabirds #birds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

This #WorldWildlifeDay, we’re celebrating the seabirds of the Isle of May — from Puffins & Guillemots to Razorbills & Kittiwakes. These cliffs support thousands of breeding birds, a powerful reminder to protect our marine wildlife & coastal habitats. 🐦🌊 #IsleOfMay #seabirds #ornithology

Some SMP Online updates have arrived! You can now search for sites by 'Species Type' or find sites local to you using the new postcode search. The SMP monitoring period starts soon; now's the perfect time to find a site to cover! #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

With a wingspan up to 1.66 meters, Great Black-backed Gulls are the largest species of gull globally. They're also the most predatory, often eating crustaceans, fish, and birds. Head to the coast for the best chance of sightings! #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

Would you like to contribute to important science work on one of our most iconic seabirds? Get involved in the All Island Black Guillemot survey this spring, a partnership survey between BTO NI & @npwsireland.bsky.social! (1/2) #ornithology #ConservationScience🌍 #seabirds

Black Guillemots (also known as Tysties) are a species of Auk found in urban coastal areas & offshore islands Find out how you can help increase our understanding of Black Guillemots through the document below 👇 drive.google.com/file/d/19zjb... (2/2)

⚠️ We've had reports of seabirds washing up. Please report ALL species of dead birds ⬇️ 📍 In England, Wales & Scotland: www.gov.uk/guidance/... 📍 In Northern Ireland: www.daera-ni.gov.uk/... 📍 In Republic of Ireland: aviancheck.apps.serv... #UKBirding #BirdingWales #BirdingScotland

📝 Please also report to BirdTrack through www.birdtrack.net. If the bird has a ring, you can find information about how to safely report this here ➡️ www.bto.org/learn/he... If you find a sick or injured bird please contact a wildlife rescue centre. Thank you.

Lots of reports of dead seabirds in the aftermath of recent storms. Please keep an eye out for any dead colour ringed Shags and send details to [email protected] #seabirds #ornithology #winterstorm

Where would you rank the appearance of Black Guillemots amongst other UK seabirds? Their characteristic black, white, and scarlet features certainly catch the eye! More Black Guillemot facts in the post below ⬇️ #seabirds #birds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

1/3 - Would you like to contribute to an Ireland-wide Black Guillemot survey partnered between @bto-ni.bsky.social & @npwsireland.bsky.social this spring? If so, have a look through this thread to find out more! #seabirds #ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

⚠️ Please report sightings of dead birds for possible testing for Avian Influenza. ⬇️ 📌 In England, Wales & Scotland: www.gov.uk/guidance/... 📌 In Northern Ireland: www.daera-ni.gov.uk/... 📌 In Republic of Ireland: aviancheck.apps.serv... #UKBirding #BirdingWales #BirdingScotland

Manx Shearwaters winter in the South Atlantic Ocean, predominantly off Brazil and Argentina. These birds begin returning to oceans surrounding the UK by late February, so start keeping an eye out for them 'shearing' over the sea! #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

East or west? Tracking work from 2017-2020 by BTO staff provided the first evidence of Scottish breeding Arctic Skuas wintering off South America! Other individuals wintered along the western and southern African coast. #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

Imagine flying from the Antarctic to the UK and back every year for the best part of 30 years. With the longest migration of any Tern and a possible lifespan of over three decades, Arctic Terns can really cover some distance! #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

A new year means more breeding seabird monitoring! Watch our recap video for a reminder of the SMP's aims, Key Sites, and how you can find out more/get involved. We look forward to working with you to benefit seabirds this year! #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

An exciting opportunity for anyone looking to contribute to the amazing data set generated on the Isle of May every year. A beautiful island and brilliant team!

The answers to our final Christmas Quiz are: A - Shag, B - Guillemot, C - Herring Gull, and D - Kittiwake! Well done to anyone who got any right! #seabirds #birds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social