Tern the Tide

I visited St Agnes, Isles of Scilly, for a week of birding in early October. On the bar between St Agnes and Gough there was deceased Gannets. From the Scillonian crossing back to the mainland there was deceased Gannets floating in the water too. 

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This got Avian Bird Flu well and truly on my radar. On my commute, I pass through Avian Bird Flu Prevention Zone signs and the impact on our breeding and wintering birds is becoming ever more apparent. 

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Bird Flu wiped out breeding Sandwich Terns on Scolt Head this year, as I read in this Birdguides article. 

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In response the BTO has an Avian Influenza Appeal. We wanted to support this appeal...

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So, in February 2023 Nick Moran (BTO, Dove Step, Norfolk birder) and I covered 65 miles on foot. Connecting the BTO headquarters; Nunnery Lakes in Thetford, with Scolt Head - one of the worst affected locations in East Anglia.

 

We wanted to cover at least 61 miles, as since October 2021 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.

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You can donate to our JustGiving > HERE <