Fulmar - the highest recorded species in SMP for 2024, 2025, and 2026 (so far). Young Fulmar don't return to breeding sites until they are four or five, and even then, don't breed until they're nine! #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

56% of breeding success records submitted to the SMP for 2026 are from sites in England! If you have records from any SMP-covered country, please submit them by October 31st. #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

Did you know some UK-breeding Lesser Black-backed Gulls are migratory? In autumn, they head to Spain, Portugal, and North and West Africa to winter. Could individuals you've monitored be among those heading south? #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

Aren't Black Guillemots striking birds at all times of year?! This year, we've had one of the largest non-census year site coverages throughout SMP's time! If you've got Black Guillemot data to submit, please do so by October 31st. #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

Worrying news for puffins in the Firth of Forth📢 Our recent puffin burrow counts have revealed a drop in puffin numbers on the local islands off the coast of North Berwick.

With many seabirds now beginning to migrate to wintering grounds, there’s still some time to see them at coastal and inland sites before they depart. Keep an eye out for adults and juveniles alike, such as this young Arctic Tern! #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

Over the past week, we’ve received additional colony count data from the 2026 season for 16 SMP species, including Great Skua! If you haven’t submitted your data yet, there’s still time before the October 31st deadline. #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

Black-headed Gulls — rather noisy gulls, especially at breeding colonies! Their notable ‘black head’ comes and goes, but other plumage features change throughout their lives too. Take a look at the examples below to find out more! #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

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"Is plastic pollution getting worse?" It's the question we get asked more than any other. After 15 years of data from Lord Howe Island, we finally have a straight answer. 🧵 🔗 agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/...

Razorbill — perhaps one of our most striking seabirds! Take a look at the post below to find out more about this cliff-nesting species. #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

We've had over 1,000 colony count submissions to the SMP in 2026 so far! Of the 23 seabird species with data, Fulmar has the most. Remember to submit your colony count and breeding success data before the October 31st data deadline. #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

So far in 2026, Black-headed Gulls have the highest number of breeding success submissions among the 25 SMP species — that means lots of juveniles like this one! Don't forget to submit your data by October 31st, the data deadline. #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

So far this year, we’ve received Black Guillemot data from 52 Northern Ireland sites — the highest number for this species-country combination in 39 years of SMP submissions! Thanks to all who monitored sites and submitted data. #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social

More good news for terns, with a record number of Little Tern chicks fledging at Beacon Lagoons, Spurn! Read @spurnbirdobs.bsky.social post here: www.facebook.com/share/p/18JA... #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

Further positive news for Sandwich Terns as @naturescot.bsky.social reports over 1,000 chicks being ringed at Forvie NNR this year! Read their post to find out more: www.facebook.com/story.php?st... #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

Quite the collection of gulls for #SuperSeabirdSunday! Herring, Lesser Black-backed, Common, and Black-headed Gulls all making use of an exposed section of mudflat at low tide today #Seabirds

The UK has ratified the BBNJ Agreement, a major step towards protecting biodiversity in the high seas. For seabirds, stronger protection of these waters could help safeguard important feeding and migration areas. Read more here: www.gov.uk/government/c... #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social

Ever wondered how we might attract gulls and terns to new breeding sites, such as a tern raft? See the Solent Seascape Project's post here: www.facebook.com/share/p/1HYu... to read about how @rspbengland.bsky.social uses decoys to attract birds! #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social

A Lesser Black-backed Gull that had taken over the local Carrion Crows' favourite rooftop perch in time for #SuperSeabirdSunday

Are you an early-career seabirder looking to build skills and connections to support a career in seabird research? Or an experienced seabirder keen to share your knowledge and mentor the next generation? If so, take a look at the post from @theseabirdgroup.bsky.social to find out more! #Seabirds

The Seabird Group@theseabirdgroup.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Our Guillemates 2026/27 mentoring is now open for sign-up! 🐧 Join a colony of peers at a similar career stage 🤝 Be matched with a mentor (or become one!) 🎤 Take part in population-wide talks 🔹 Mentee sign-up: forms.gle/HyxYdjYz6Lgt... 🔹 Mentor sign-up: forms.gle/AQUHoa5NKa5h...

Britain's only Roseate Tern colony has had its most successful season for more than 50 years, with 156 breeding pairs counted on Coquet Island, Northumberland:

Roseate Terns reach 50-year high on Coquet Island

Britain's only Roseate Tern colony is bouncing back after bird flu, with 156 breeding pairs noted in 2026.

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It's been a record year for Sandwich Terns nesting on islands at #RSPBPaghamHarbour, following long term efforts to protect and restore them! Read RSPB England's breakdown here: www.facebook.com/share/p/1Dx4... #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

A Herring Gull making the most of the coast-like features in a town centre this weekend, for #SuperSeabirdSunday @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

The latest breeding success records submitted to the SMP include Kittiwake fledglings like these two! They easily stand out from their parents thanks to their black collar and dark wing bands! #Seabirds @btoscotland.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

Romelly has joined the BTO NI team for the summer to gather data for her undergrad dissertation investigating public perceptions of urban gulls. If you live in Northern Ireland, we'd really appreciate it if you would consider filling out this survey to help with the research. bit.ly/NIUrbanGulls

After a spring and summer of seabird fieldwork, data entry might not be at the top of your mind. So, if you need a complete refresher or just want to pick up some handy submission tips, watch our new video here! youtu.be/8Ai7XQLHi3I #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

Mediterranean Gull breeding abundance increased from 135 to 2,311 AON in the UK & Ireland between Seabird 2000 and Seabirds Count. Help us continue to monitor this expanding population by submitting your breeding data to the SMP! #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

Listen to ‘A is for Auk’ on the BTO podcast, Beyond The Bird Table! Join us as we delve into the world of seabirds with ornithologist, writer & broadcaster, Prof Tim Birkhead & Senior Research Ecologist with BTO Scotland, Dr Nina O’Hanlon #Birds #UKBirding

The SMP Annual Report often highlights mammalian predators, such as rats, as a factor in the decline of some seabird species. This is a brilliant example of the difference their removal can make! #Seabirds

Lundy Bird Observatory@lundybirds.bsky.social · 3mo ago

Celebrating 20yrs Rat free this year! One of the biggest successes on the island is the seabirds, but for Manx Shearwaters it has been phenomenal. One of our box birds from today, the fact we have 15,000 and they breed successfully was unthinkable 30yrs ago!