Coquet Island terns' survival takes turn for better
- Published
The RSPB said the introduction of nesting boxes on Coquet Island in 2000 has helped the roseate terns increase their numbers
The UK's rarest breeding seabird is enjoying a revival in Northumberland with 100 pairs nesting on Coquet Island.
The RSPB has spent 15 years conserving the roseate tern, a red-listed threatened species, at the birds' only regular UK breeding colony.
It said installing nesting boxes for the birds has been a big factor.
Warden Paul Morrison said the birds are also protected from predators and egg thieves.
He said: "We are delighted that we've reached the landmark of a 100 pairs and are hoping that we might have even more birds breeding on the island before the season is out.
"If roseate terns continue to increase on Coquet Island over the next few years, we could eventually see them colonising other sites around the Northumberland coast."
- Published17 January 2013
