General news

By Thomas Weston

Introduction

Understanding the breeding ecology and the success of our breeding seabirds is critical to understanding how our populations of birds are doing on island. Manx Shearwaters are a success story for the island, having featured both on a Merrel Advert by Nadeem Perera at the start of the year, and then subsequently on ITV News when talking about how Seabird Numbers Soar on Lundy Island 20 years since the Rat Eradication. For Manx Shearwaters, monitoring of the species can be undertaken through different survey methods. This could include using visual observations whereby the use of counts and estimates are analysed (see our Jenny's Cove count article), through standardised surveys every few years (see our Large Gull survey article), or through productivity monitoring of a specific seabird species (see our 2026 seabird article). With 2027 being the survey year for Manx Shearwaters on the island, understanding the breeding ecology and movements during the breeding season, in years that are not whole-isalnd surveys, is fundemental to our understanding and monitoring of the species.

This year was no different as with help from Eleanor Harris, Emma Abel, Jessie Dermody, Tara McEvoy-Wilding, Simon Parker, Chloe Langmead, Kirsty Cox, and Greg Lee the monitoring of the Manx Shearwater artificial boxes could be completed. In addition to this, understanding the movements of breeding adults during chick feeding was achieved through help from additional researchers from OxNav including Tim Guillford was joined by Joe parker. Additionally, engagement has been important, with additional visitors and helpers such as the Young Birders 2026 coming to visit the boxes, as well as the people who help maintain the boxes Tony Taylor, Adam Hobbs, the LFS work party, and the Ranger team led by Roger White.      

Methodology

Monitoring the boxes

In total, across the study colony there are 30 artificial Manx Shearwater boxes whereby access into the burrows of the birds can be achieved to monitor individuals.  The first Manx Shearwater of the year was seen on the XXth March. As a result, monitoring of the Manx Shearwater artificial boxes started on the 21st March. Checking of the boxes continued every 4-5 days. At each visit, any signs of nesting were noted i.e feathers, smell or poo, an adult in the box, or an incubating bird on an egg. For those adults who were present, the metal BTO ring was read, and biometrics were taken. To reduce disturbance, wing and weight was taken before the bird was returned to the box with all 30 boxes checked each visit. For each box check, the activity of the boxes were recorded with the final box status either prospecting, unoccupied, failed, or fledged. Prospecting birds were those who had shown signs up to June, without laying an egg. In comparison, boxes showing no signs of us throughout the season were considered unoccupied. Where an egg was laid, the date the egg was recorded helped predict an expected hatch date. Hatch dates have a range of five days, so we used 49 days as the average hatch date. Based on the last date an egg was not seen, and the first date the egg was seen, an estimated hatching period was calculated. As a result, one of the boxes was expected to hatch between the 19th and the 25th June. On the earliest hatch date a check is made to determine if hatching was successful. If hatching had not occurred on the first date, a subsequent check on the latest expected hatch date was achieved, wth checks made once a week for those eggs that had not hatched within the hatch period. If the egg hatched on or around the expected hatch date, an estimation of the age of the chick at first chick observation was made. For example, chicks who were emerging from the egg would have a hatch date of the day later, day 1 chicks tended to be damp and in the vacinity of the egg, whereby day 2-4 chicks had an egg tooth but were away from the egg shell. Chicks that were found later than this would be considered a 5+ day old chick. Checks were made once a week to weigh the chick, and an expected fledge date was calculated 60 days after the known hatch date, or 60 days after the estimated hatch date. Chick weighing was achieved by use of a bird bag and a persola. The weights were used to determine peak mass, a measure of survival and fledging success. If the chick died before fledging, or the egg never hatched, a cause of death was determined, and the box outcome was considered as 'Failed'. However, if the chick successfully fledged, the box outcome was considered as 'Fledged'.

Understanding feeding behaviour 

In addition to the box checks, OxNav were keen to deploy GPS/GSM tags for each successful pair of Manx Shearwaters monitored. Their aim was to understand the feeding ecology whilst Manx Shearwaters were in the chick raising period. To understand these movements, Tim Guilford from OxNav came over for a week in June. To begin, the team retrieved GLS tags fitted in 2025. These tags recorded the migration routes based on sun light levels (data being anaylsed) and were mounted to a ring on the leg. To continue their GLS work, the team redeployed GLS tags for collection in 2027 with this data currently being collected. In addition, to understand movements, the other parent not fitted with the GLS was fitted with a lightwight GSM/GPS tag attached to the bird using a small back mounted tag. These tags are light-weight and are used for understanding feeding behaviour during the chick rearing process. The tag, solar charged by the sun, had an expected lifespan of 8 weeks before the battery finished and the tag fell off. The data was sent via the mobile phone network so we could 'live stream' the movements of the birds whilst they were away from the island. Interestingly, we were able to see dive depth and how fast birds were flying too, however, due to the data still being analysed, and as a result, we can only share a small section of the work.   

Results

Monitoring the boxes

The boxes were monitored by the team from the 21st March 2026 to the 19th September 2026. In total, signs of activity were seen in 15 out of the 30 artificial boxes. Based on our box status definitions, 2 pairs were considered prospecting, 2 failed at egg stage, and 11 chicks successfully fledged. As a result, productivity this year was calculated at 0.73 which is high for the study burrows. Our efforts this year monitoring the artificial boxes have shown that the laying date for our birds was around the start of May. The expected hatch dates were calculated and the average hatch date was around the 3rd week of June. Chick feeding was very productive, and peak mass of the chicks was roughly around the 25th August this year whereby some chicks weighed up to 600g at peak mass. Even though there was one late chick, the majority of chicks fledged by the 1st September, with the last chick fledging around the 10th September. The birds that failed had both bred successfully over the past 2-3yrs and so this may have been a year where energy levels were lower than normal and desertion at egg stage was potentially high. 

Understanding feeding behaviour 

A rough view of our Manx Shearwater tracks. The area highlighted in green shows the local feeding for the chick, whereas the area highlighted in yellow shows the feeding areas used by the parents to self-sustain themselves. OxNav

In total, 10 Manx Shearwaters were GPS/GSM tagged by Tim Guillford and the OxNav research group with funding from Natural England. Without showing exact routes and feeding sites, this is a rough idea of where the birds are heading to feed whilst breeding on Lundy.

Discussion

 The success of the chicks in the boxes this year was a surprise. The locally wintering seabirds that breed on Lundy saw a decrease in their survival overwinter, presumably due to the harsh winter weather just before they arrived back to breed. However, the Manx Shearwaters were certainly different, birds arrived back to the artificial boxes around their average date in good numbers. Last year, a couple more breeding pairs attempted to nest, though this year the breeding success of those who arrived back was higher. Overall, egg laying was a little later than normal, but syncronised, with the hatch date around the third week of June typical for the island. At locations such as Skokholm and Skomer, hatch date is slightly later i.e the first week of July, and the further North you go, the later the hatching occurs. This means birds in the Faroes Islands are much later than those on Lundy, and fledge later due to this this. Overall, hatching success was high with two eggs failing at this period. The adults had previously nested two or three years running so to take a year off for such a long lived species is not an issue. Last year was apparently a poor year for the Manx Shearwaters across the island. Looking at the productivity of the artificial boxes, productivity was higher than the estimate of 0.64 last year with this year's productivity being 0.73. This has led to an exceptional year for our artificial box birds, and it seems that it has been replicated over the island as a whole. By going out in the daytime and nighttime to Manx Shearwater colonies where they nest in natural burrows, breeding success seems to have been high across the island. Colonies to the east, south and west show that with every 11 alive chicks, 1 dead chick was found. This does not give an indication of how many eggs failed during the nesting period (which is higher than the number of chicks that fail), but it does seem a good measure of a successful year overall. We did not have enough time this summer to check the colonies in the north, but we can only assume breeding success was good here too. Taking into consideration there are roughly 15,000 pairs on the island, we expect roughly 10,000 Manx Shearwater chicks fledged this autumn if the 73% of all Manx Shearwaters successfully bred and fledged a chick.

The tagging data was super exciting. Tim Guilford from OxNav and the team were amazing and we really thank them for providing an extra layer of data to the Manx Shearwater boxes. Tim explained how in the previous 2011-2012 study, birds tagged did not go any further south than Cornwall, and fed mostly in the celtic and Irish sea. However, there has been a shift. Birds from the Welsh islands tend to feed in these waters nowadays and 'our' Lundy birds have shifted their behaviour slgihtly. Initial results of the tagging show that all of our birds undertake both chick feeding foraging trips, and self sustaining foraging trips. The chick feeding trips were more local feeding in the areas north of Cornwall and Devon, though a few trips were into the Celtic sea. These trips were a few days in length resulting in regular feeding of the chick. In comparison, the self sustaining foraging trips to replenish the adult's resources after spending days feeding the chick were further afield and mostly off the north coast of France. However, there were birds in the English Channel that were feeding too. By continuing the monitoring of the chicks during the period the tag was on the bird showed that chicks gained weight quickly. Chick wieghts were high, with the largest chicks reaching 600g at peak mass. This is phenomenal, and some very well fed chicks this year. This potentially was a reason why productivity was so high, good foraging and local food? In the marine heatwaves we had throughout the summer, was this really the case? Or was there new food arriving to excape the heat from further south? Something we are unsure about, but it was great to see such a high number of chicks fledge. Moreover, no chicks or adults failed due to the tags, or any obvious tag effects which was excellent. 

Conclusion

A very successful year for the Manx Shearwater artificial boxes both in the monitoring and tracking. We aim to continue the box checks next year whilst undertaking the full island survey too. The retrieval of the GLS tags in 2027 will be able to provide an insite into migration routes used by our Lundy Manx Shearwaters.  

By Thomas Weston

One of the main species affected by the winter storms, the Puffin. By Thomas Weston

Introduction

The results of the Jenny's Cove Coordinated count undertaken by the Lundy Bird Observatory on June 22nd 2026 showed that Puffin numbers were down 29.5% compared to the numbers in June 2025, the numbers of Razorbill were down 6% when compared to 2025, and the number of Guillemot were down 5% when compared to 2025. In comparison, the RSPB recorded 163 individuals in Jenny's Cove in May 2026 during the RSPB Large Gull Jenny's Cove specific Puffin survey, and 266 individuals across the whole island when undertaking the RSPB Large Gull survey across the whole island.

Discussion

The RSPB's May 2026 counts, and the Lundy Bird Observatory June 2026 counts show a marked decrease in the number of all auks in Jenny's Cove when compared to the standardised auk counts undertaken in June 2025 (RSPB showed a 65.9% decrease, whereas Lundy Bird Observatory showed a 29.5%). The counts demonstrated that Puffins fared the worse, Razorbills the second worst effected, and Guillemots the least. This data is fundemental to when comparing the annual changes in the auk counts of Jenny's Cove, as well as a measure of the longterm recovery of auks, including the Puffins, when compared to pre-rat eradication counts. Unfortunatley, we do not have any comparisons between any other seabird islands to compare to, however, based on the reports and strandings noted in the winter/spring newspaper reports, a decrease of all species was not surprising. Luckily, the phenology of Puffins means that wintering locations of a breeding colony can be several hundred kilometres difference. I.e birds who breed together, do not always winter together. Using this knowledge, the strandings of hundreds of thousands of auks, including Puffins across such a large area of the West Europe/Atlantic Coast, could have led to the complete demise of all of Lundy's Puffins. Unsurprisingly, it has been noted that Skokholm and other Scottish Islands have seen a decrease in the number of returning Puffins this year. This is a concern as in June 2025, an estimate of only 1500 Puffins across the whole of Lundy was recorded with 478 individuals in Jenny's Cove alone. As a result, the wrecks of winter 2025/2026, could have decimated the whole island population by a single wreck, or by multiple wrecks across the large geographic area of the storms. The frequency, and the relentlessness of the storms, during a period when Puffins returned northwards towards the United Kingdom to breed was devestating, though the fact that some individuals were wintering in different areas means that their population was affected on island, but not decimated altogether. As a result, we estimate that within a 2-3yr period, based on breeding success and good adult survival, the population could bounce back and increase once more. Productivity in summer 2026 was estimated to be 0.4 in Jenny's Cove. This productivity estimate was low, and conerning, but not 0 which is a positive. A good or high productivity is generally considered to be 0.6, so this year 20% less birds successfully fledged a chick than a 'good' year, and 60% less bird fledged a chick compared to an 'incredible' year. This productivity, alongside lower numbers of returning individuals in April demonstarted that those birds who arrived back were in poor condition. It could be that the surviving birds returned at the 'normal time', though due to the storms, began breeding later than they would normally. This was seen in the RSPB's May coordinated Jenny's Cove count whereby numbers were almost 66% down on June 2025. This could have been a result of birds sat on eggs later than the norm, and as a result, the numbers were more representable in June 2026 by the Lundy Bird Observatory team, as this was when most individuals would have hatched and were feeding chicks. A high count of 546 Puffins were recorded along the west coast between Old Light and Three Quarter Wall on the 18th July 2026. This high count was gathered when adult Puffins were almost certainly departing, and demonstrated a more representative count of west coast breeders. However, it is unsure how many were Jenny's Cove breeders, and if this count included birds from other areas of the island that were not counted as part of the Lundy Bird Observatory coordinated count. Looking forward, replicating the Jenny's Cove counts to understand how the numbers in the cove rebound and increase, will be an aim of the Bird Observatory going forward as with future climate chanage resulting in more frequent, and more extreme weather, winters similar to 2025/2026 will become 'the norm'. It is worth noting that Skomer was an exception to the rule, showing an increase to their highest ever level this year, and this was surprising given the widespread strandings and hundreds of thousands of dead birds reported elsewhere. Moreover, unlike the Treshnish Isles, Lundy has never really ringed enough Puffins to make a meaningful amount of data to determine how many of Lundy's Puffins are being found elsewhere and how many are returning to the island to breed in future years. Using the seabird register, we have productivity estimates for the colony in Jenny's Cove, however understanding our adult Puffins is an project we would love to begin. This would be especially important in years such as 2026 whereby BTO ringing recoveries gave an insight into the lives of the UK Puffins elsewhere.    

Conclusion

Standardised Jenny's Cove counts of all seabird species, including our auks, is fundemental to understanding the island's seabird populations. The counts gained from the RSPB and Lundy Bird Observatory in Jenny's Cove in summer 2026 highlighted a decline in the number of Puffins, Guillemots and Razorbills this year compared to June 2025. Lundy Bird Observatory aims to continue its research of these species through productivity monitoring and daily counts, with help from the annual seabird assistant, the Bird Observatory assistant, and the work of the Conservation Team on the island. 

By Jane Sharkey

The Next Generation Discovers Lundy 

Storm Petrel ringing

It is well after dark when a group of young people make their way towards Lundy's Northern section. The walk takes about 50 minutes, guided only by the Marker stones on the side of the track and the occasional light of the Moon. They are heading out into the night to look for one of Lundy's most elusive seabirds: the Storm Petrel.

For Rhys, one of fourteen young people who came to Lundy this August, the experience was something he had been hoping for. He had heard of Storm Petrels before, but actually holding one in his hand was something else entirely.

For a week, these young birders and naturalists had the opportunity to step beyond the familiar and experience Lundy from a very different perspective.

The group, aged between 18 and 25, arrived on the island from different parts of the UK. They came from the Midlands, Kent, Dorset, London, North Wales, and Lancashire, amongst other places. None of them had ever met each other before arriving.

They had been invited to spend a week on Lundy from 1 to 8 August 2026 as part of a new initiative organised by the Lundy Bird Observatory and the Lundy Conservation Team. The aim was simple: to connect young people with Lundy, introduce the island and its conservation work to a new generation, and provide them with the opportunity to experience some of the work carried out by the wardens and volunteers.

Beyond the visitor experience

Checking the Manx Shearwater boxes by Thomas Weston

For many visitors, Lundy is a place to explore for a day or perhaps spend a few nights. For this group, the island and their home for the week became a living classroom.

Their week sometimes began early in the mornings and sometimes continued long after the sun had gone down. They participated in bird ringing in Millcombe and assisted in locating and ringing Wheatears. They checked the chicks in the artificial Manx Shearwater boxes on the cliffs and headed out at night to the North to ring Storm Petrels.

There were moth traps to inspect, rock pools to explore and seals to watch. The group also heard from volunteers involved in Lundy's conservation work, with evening talks covering subjects including the island's intertidal zones, the Lundy House Sparrow Project, Moth trapping, Ageing Autumn Chiffchaffs and Blackcap, and the work of the volunteer Seabird warden. There was even an additional talk by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) on Storm Petrel research and tracking.

For the participants, it was an opportunity to see the practical side of conservation rather than simply reading about it.

Thomas Weston, Bird Observatory Warden on Lundy, spearheaded the programme. His vision was to introduce a new demographic to the island and give young people the opportunity to connect with Lundy and its wildlife. He also wanted the young people who took part, ‘to push themselves beyond their comfort zone '. 

None of the participants knew one another before they arrived on the island; within a few days, they were exploring Lundy together, sharing experiences and learning from the Conservation Team and volunteers.

Their base for the week was The Barn, which provided a communal space where the group could cook, relax and make themselves at home. With its youth hostel feel, it became their base from which to explore an island that none of them had ever visited before.

Learning to look differently

Wheatear dazzling by ThomasWeston

For Mathilde, one of the highlights was Wheatear dazzling.

There is a particular drama to the process: moving carefully, stopping when the bird stops, and remaining completely still. She compared it to the children's game Granny's Footsteps — following behind someone and freezing whenever they turn around.

It was one of many moments when the participants found themselves looking at familiar things in unfamiliar ways.

Thalia particularly enjoyed the night walk to ring Storm Petrels, describing it as "crazy". It wasn't only the wildlife that captured her imagination. Exploring the island, Thailia discovered some of Lundy's history too. She was particularly struck by the interpretation panels in the church and the embroidered banners created by schoolchildren from North Devon.

It was not all about birds. During the week, Thailia experienced a night swim surrounded by bioluminescence, describing the sensation of swimming in starlight, with the glow both above and below the waves.

For Cornelius, a birder from Lancashire, the chance to do something completely different was part of the appeal. During a rock-pooling session, he looked up towards the Castle rising above the cliffs and felt as though he had stepped into a scene from Game of Thrones.

Making Lundy accessible to a new generation

Birders Week by Eleanor Harris

The cost of the week was £300 per person, including boat travel and accommodation. Funding through the British Trust for Ornithology's Young Bird Observatory Visitors programme enabled eligible participants to apply for a £250 grant towards the cost in 2026.

The support helped make the opportunity more accessible to young people who might otherwise have found the cost of travelling to and staying on Lundy a barrier.

Although the programme was aimed particularly at young bird ringers and birders, the invitation was wider. Young people interested in birds, marine life, moths, insects and the natural environment were encouraged to participate.

In doing so, the programme reflected the reality of conservation work on Lundy itself. Bird ringing sits alongside moth trapping, seal watching, rock pooling, marine monitoring, and the many other tasks undertaken by the Lundy Bird Observatory, the Conservation Team and the 2026 volunteers.

For Rhys, though, there was one moment that stood out above the rest: holding a Storm Petrel. It was something he had known about as a birder, but knowing about a species and suddenly finding yourself holding one are very different things.

The sense of discovery ran throughout the week. Fourteen young people arrived on Lundy as individuals who didn't know one another. They left having shared early mornings, late nights, wildlife encounters, new experiences and the strange and wonderful feeling of becoming part of island life, if only for a week.

This is what Thomas had hoped for when he began thinking about the programme: not simply to bring young birders to Lundy, but to give them a reason to connect with the island. To explore it. To ask questions. To push themselves a little further than they might normally go. In doing so, Lundy has become part of their story and somewhere that they will revisit.

Following the success of the 2026 programme, the Lundy Bird Observatory and Lundy Conservation Team hopes to offer a similar opportunity again in 2027. Details of future dates, costs and funding opportunities will be announced once plans have been confirmed.

In 2027 Lundy Bird Observatory are running three weeks for birders, ringers, and moth enthusiasts in dormitory accommodation in The Barn. Each week will be a chance to visit the island with like-minded people at key times throughout the year. Joining the conservation team, you will be able to see some of our work on the island during the period, and get to explore and hopefully see some nice species too! Cost will be £350 for bed and boat crossing from Ilfracombe or Bideford (subject to a possible small increase if boat fares rise for 2027). The additional costs of food will not be covered, but there is a small well-stocked shop on the island, cooking facilities in The Barn, and a reasonably priced meal service in the Marisco Tavern. The weeks are open to anyone over the age of 18, on a first come first served basis.

If you are interested, please email Thomas Weston, the bird observatory warden on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. stating your preferred week.