Tern the Tide

A deadly strain of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is spreading. The survival of whole colonies has come under threat: since October 2021 more than 61 wild bird species have been infected and, tragically, thousands of birds have been killed.

As early as July early warning warnings were coming out of Isle of May - as can be heard on the first 15 minutes of this episode of the SOC Podcast. Our man Steely, gives a frank and at times upsetting account of working within a seabird colony decimated by Avian Influenza:

At I write the reality Avian Influenza is still very evident - with corpses and sick birds still washing ashore, like this Razorbill:

In response the BTO has an Avian Influenza Appeal. The BTO will use funds raised to assess how many breeding seabirds return to their colonies in 2023; to help predict how long recovery periods are likely to be and to track subsequent changes in population size. Understanding the science behind Avian Influenza will hopefully help inform the recovery.

We want to support this appeal...

In February 2023 Nick Moran (BTO, Dove Step, Norfolk birder) and I will cover 61 miles on foot. Connecting the BTO headquarters; Nunnery Lakes in Thetford, with Scolt Head - one of the worst affected locations in East Anglia. Three quarters of the chicks from the tern colony on Scolt Head were wiped out and bag after bag of corpses removed by wardens.

The 61 miles we will cover on foot is significant, as since October 2021 more than 61 wild bird species have been infected and, tragically, thousands of birds have died as a result.

We are hoping to 'Tern the Tide' on Avian Bird Flu by supporting the BTO's Avian Influenza Appeal. You can support our efforts via the JustGiving page.