Islanders warned to look out for dead puffins on Burhou

There was a large number of deaths of puffins on the east coast of Scotland and northeast of England

Islanders in Alderney are asked to report dead puffins on Burhou following concerns raised after thousands were found dead in Scotland and England.

Tim Morley from the Alderney Wildlife Trust said he was concerned as more cold weather was forecast.

He said cold easterly winds had caused the deaths.

He said: "It appears that the birds have died of starvation, unable to feed in the recent bad weather and strong easterly winds."

Mr Morley asked islanders to report to the trust if they found any dead puffins washed up on Alderney's shorelines.

He said puffins had begun arriving on Burhou, although later than last year.

However he said they were in good numbers and so far the birds seemed to be in good health.

Mr Morley added: "This incident is likely to be the biggest 'wreck' since 1947 and research will be done this summer to see how it affects the northern colonies of puffins."