THREE rare species of seabirds have bred in record numbers at nature havens on the south Cumbria coast.
On Foulney Island Nature Reserve in Barrow, 26 pairs of little terns are raising at least 21 chicks, the best year at the site since 2011. Arctic terns there also had an incredible year with 59 pairs successfully raising 52 chicks – the highest number recorded since 1992.
The RSPB has recorded 550 pairs of sandwich terns at its reserve at Hodbarrow - an enormous increase of 450 pairs on last year.
The birds have raised 368 chicks so far, with a further 300 due to hatch at the end of July. This is the best number for 26 years in Cumbria and a record for Hodbarrow.
There have also been 33 pairs of little terns – well above the recent average of 20 pairs - raising 15 chicks at Hodbarrow. It is the best breeding season of these dainty seabirds there in 10 years.
Dave Blackledge, site manager at RSPB Hodbarrow said: "Generally tern populations, like many seabirds, are sadly struggling. We are delighted with this year’s breeding season for terns in Cumbria.”
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