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UK Seabird Monitoring Programme @smp-seabirds.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

56% of breeding success records submitted to the SMP for 2026 are from sites in England! If you have records from any SMP-covered country, please submit them by October 31st. #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

An image of two adult Cormorants and their two young.

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UK Seabird Monitoring Programme @smp-seabirds.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Did you know some UK-breeding Lesser Black-backed Gulls are migratory? In autumn, they head to Spain, Portugal, and North and West Africa to winter. Could individuals you've monitored be among those heading south? #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

Image of a Lesser Black-backed Gull with two chicks.

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UK Seabird Monitoring Programme @smp-seabirds.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Aren't Black Guillemots striking birds at all times of year?! This year, we've had one of the largest non-census year site coverages throughout SMP's time! If you've got Black Guillemot data to submit, please do so by October 31st. #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

Images of Black Guillemots in summer and winter/juvenile plumage.

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Scottish Seabird Centre @seabirdcentre.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Worrying news for puffins in the Firth of Forth📢 Our recent puffin burrow counts have revealed a drop in puffin numbers on the local islands off the coast of North Berwick.

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UK Seabird Monitoring Programme @smp-seabirds.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

With many seabirds now beginning to migrate to wintering grounds, there’s still some time to see them at coastal and inland sites before they depart. Keep an eye out for adults and juveniles alike, such as this young Arctic Tern! #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

An image of a juvenile Arctic Tern in flight.

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UK Seabird Monitoring Programme @smp-seabirds.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Over the past week, we’ve received additional colony count data from the 2026 season for 16 SMP species, including Great Skua! If you haven’t submitted your data yet, there’s still time before the October 31st deadline. #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

An image of numerous Great Skuas. One of the species for which additional data has been submitted this week.

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UK Seabird Monitoring Programme @smp-seabirds.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Black-headed Gulls — rather noisy gulls, especially at breeding colonies! Their notable ‘black head’ comes and goes, but other plumage features change throughout their lives too. Take a look at the examples below to find out more! #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

An image of Black-headed Gulls in different stages of life/plumage. Images include a young juvenile, older juvenile, 1st-summer individual, and adults in both winter and summer plumage.

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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Could you leave a lasting gift for birds? Find out Tom and Muriel's story. 🐦 You can write your Will for FREE today, as we’ve partnered with expert Will writers Octopus Legacy ➡️ bit.ly/BTOWriteYour... This is a no obligation offer but we would be so grateful for your support.

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Dr Alex Bond @thelabandfield.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

"Is plastic pollution getting worse?" It's the question we get asked more than any other. After 15 years of data from Lord Howe Island, we finally have a straight answer. 🧵 🔗 agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/...

A hand holding a plastic fork piece in the foreground. In the background, another hand lays out plastics on a sheet of paper towel. The plastic was in a shearwater chick's stomach.

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UK Seabird Monitoring Programme @smp-seabirds.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Razorbill — perhaps one of our most striking seabirds! Take a look at the post below to find out more about this cliff-nesting species. #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

Image of a Razorbill with an accompanying species fact file which highlights wingspan (60 - 69cm), maximum age (41 years), diet (fish), number of eggs (1), when to see (year-round), and number of pairs in Britain and Northern Ireland (165,000).

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UK Seabird Monitoring Programme @smp-seabirds.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

We've had over 1,000 colony count submissions to the SMP in 2026 so far! Of the 23 seabird species with data, Fulmar has the most. Remember to submit your colony count and breeding success data before the October 31st data deadline. #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

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UK Seabird Monitoring Programme @smp-seabirds.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

So far in 2026, Black-headed Gulls have the highest number of breeding success submissions among the 25 SMP species — that means lots of juveniles like this one! Don't forget to submit your data by October 31st, the data deadline. #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

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UK Seabird Monitoring Programme @smp-seabirds.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

So far this year, we’ve received Black Guillemot data from 52 Northern Ireland sites — the highest number for this species-country combination in 39 years of SMP submissions! Thanks to all who monitored sites and submitted data. #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social

An image of a Black Guillemot with the text 'Record Alert!'.

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UK Seabird Monitoring Programme @smp-seabirds.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

More good news for terns, with a record number of Little Tern chicks fledging at Beacon Lagoons, Spurn! Read @spurnbirdobs.bsky.social post here: www.facebook.com/share/p/18JA... #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

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UK Seabird Monitoring Programme @smp-seabirds.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Further positive news for Sandwich Terns as @naturescot.bsky.social reports over 1,000 chicks being ringed at Forvie NNR this year! Read their post to find out more: www.facebook.com/story.php?st... #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

An image of a Sandwich Tern in flight throwing a fish to reposition it in it's beak.

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UK Seabird Monitoring Programme @smp-seabirds.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

Quite the collection of gulls for #SuperSeabirdSunday! Herring, Lesser Black-backed, Common, and Black-headed Gulls all making use of an exposed section of mudflat at low tide today #Seabirds

An image of gulls on a mudflat. Gulls present are, Black-headed, Lesser Black-backed, Herring, and Common Gull.

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UK Seabird Monitoring Programme @smp-seabirds.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

The UK has ratified the BBNJ Agreement, a major step towards protecting biodiversity in the high seas. For seabirds, stronger protection of these waters could help safeguard important feeding and migration areas. Read more here: www.gov.uk/government/c... #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social

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UK Seabird Monitoring Programme @smp-seabirds.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Ever wondered how we might attract gulls and terns to new breeding sites, such as a tern raft? See the Solent Seascape Project's post here: www.facebook.com/share/p/1HYu... to read about how @rspbengland.bsky.social uses decoys to attract birds! #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social

An image of a Common Tern and its chick on a tern raft.

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UK Seabird Monitoring Programme @smp-seabirds.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

A Lesser Black-backed Gull that had taken over the local Carrion Crows' favourite rooftop perch in time for #SuperSeabirdSunday

An image of an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull perched on a house roof.

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UK Seabird Monitoring Programme @smp-seabirds.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Are you an early-career seabirder looking to build skills and connections to support a career in seabird research? Or an experienced seabirder keen to share your knowledge and mentor the next generation? If so, take a look at the post from @theseabirdgroup.bsky.social to find out more! #Seabirds

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BirdGuides @birdguides.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Britain's only Roseate Tern colony has had its most successful season for more than 50 years, with 156 breeding pairs counted on Coquet Island, Northumberland:

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Roseate Terns reach 50-year high on Coquet Island

Britain's only Roseate Tern colony is bouncing back after bird flu, with 156 breeding pairs noted in 2026.

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UK Seabird Monitoring Programme @smp-seabirds.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

It's been a record year for Sandwich Terns nesting on islands at #RSPBPaghamHarbour, following long term efforts to protect and restore them! Read RSPB England's breakdown here: www.facebook.com/share/p/1Dx4... #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

An image of Sandwich Terns and their young, promoting the successful breeding season the species has had at RSPB Pagham Harbour

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UK Seabird Monitoring Programme @smp-seabirds.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

A Herring Gull making the most of the coast-like features in a town centre this weekend, for #SuperSeabirdSunday @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

An image of a adult Herring Gull on some rocks.

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UK Seabird Monitoring Programme @smp-seabirds.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

The latest breeding success records submitted to the SMP include Kittiwake fledglings like these two! They easily stand out from their parents thanks to their black collar and dark wing bands! #Seabirds @btoscotland.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

Two images of young Kittiwake. One perched and one in flight.

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BTO Northern Ireland @bto-ni.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Romelly has joined the BTO NI team for the summer to gather data for her undergrad dissertation investigating public perceptions of urban gulls. If you live in Northern Ireland, we'd really appreciate it if you would consider filling out this survey to help with the research. bit.ly/NIUrbanGulls

Urban Gull Survey poster - bit.ly/NIUrbanGulls

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UK Seabird Monitoring Programme @smp-seabirds.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

After a spring and summer of seabird fieldwork, data entry might not be at the top of your mind. So, if you need a complete refresher or just want to pick up some handy submission tips, watch our new video here! youtu.be/8Ai7XQLHi3I #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

An image of a Kittiwake with text indicating that the SMP have released a submitting your data video tutorial.

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UK Seabird Monitoring Programme @smp-seabirds.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Mediterranean Gull breeding abundance increased from 135 to 2,311 AON in the UK & Ireland between Seabird 2000 and Seabirds Count. Help us continue to monitor this expanding population by submitting your breeding data to the SMP! #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

An image of two fledged Mediterranean Gulls, amongst some Sandwich Terns.

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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

Listen to ‘A is for Auk’ on the BTO podcast, Beyond The Bird Table! Join us as we delve into the world of seabirds with ornithologist, writer & broadcaster, Prof Tim Birkhead & Senior Research Ecologist with BTO Scotland, Dr Nina O’Hanlon #Birds #UKBirding

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UK Seabird Monitoring Programme @smp-seabirds.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

The SMP Annual Report often highlights mammalian predators, such as rats, as a factor in the decline of some seabird species. This is a brilliant example of the difference their removal can make! #Seabirds

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UK Seabird Monitoring Programme @smp-seabirds.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

Recent breeding success records submitted to the SMP include some for Shags. I think this lot are quite cute, but maybe I'm biased. What do you think?! As always, don't forget to submit your data to the SMP #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

An image of two adult Shags and their three young sat on rocks.

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UK Seabird Monitoring Programme @smp-seabirds.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

20 of the 25 core SMP species now have data submissions for 2026! Here's how things are looking for species with more than 10 submissions so far. Since our last update, Fulmar has overtaken Black Guillemot to claim the top spot! #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

A bar graph of the number of submissions to SMP made for different seabirds so far in 2026. Cutouts of Common Tern, Razorbill, and Fulmar sit on their respective bars.

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UK Seabird Monitoring Programme @smp-seabirds.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

Can you monitor Black Guillemot breeding success?! Only two breeding success records were submitted to SMP in the past two years. If you can monitor their productivity, or need a hand submitting your data, email us at smp@bto.org! #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

An image of a Black Guillemot holding a fish in its beak.

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UK Seabird Monitoring Programme @smp-seabirds.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

There was quite a difference between the number of colony count and breeding success submissions for Great Black-backed Gulls in 2025. If you're recording their breeding abundance, please also record breeding success where possible! #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

An image of an adult Great Black-backed Gull with a juvenile. The text highlights the difference between the numbers of Colony Count and Breeding Success submissions made for this species in 2025.

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UK Seabird Monitoring Programme @smp-seabirds.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

Happy #WorldSeabirdDay! We look forward to seeing all the data our SMP participants collect on seabirds later in the season #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

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National Trust @nationaltrust.org.uk · 02/07/2026

It's been a record-breaking year for little terns at Long Nanny, Northumberland! A minimum of 126 breeding pairs are nesting at the site this season, far surpassing the previous record of 57 breeding pairs in 1994. They're the UK’s second rarest breeding seabird so this is good news.

Pair of little Terns on a beach, one with wings raised

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UK Seabird Monitoring Programme @smp-seabirds.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

The first 2026 Breeding Success records have been submitted to SMP! These include positive records for Common Tern and Black-headed Gull. We look forward to seeing more records as the season advances. Don't forget to submit yours! #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

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The Seabird Group @theseabirdgroup.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

Our June 2026 newsletter has arrived in your inbox! 💌 We learn about the importance of @biosecuritylife.bsky.social and rescuing grounded shearwaters as well as celebrate 40-years of @smp-seabirds.bsky.social! Plus the usual Seabirder Spotlight, paper releases and some exciting news! 🗞️ #seabirds

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UK Seabird Monitoring Programme @smp-seabirds.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

It's Insect Week! Though we might normally think of seabirds feeding on fish and crustaceans, many species, like these gulls, feed on insects too. How many times have you seen gulls following a tractor, or terns hawking insects? #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

An image of gulls foraging behind a tractor as it ploughs the ground.

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Cornwall Birds (CBWPS) @cbwps.org.uk · 17/06/2026

Join us in celebrating Wold Seabird Day on Friday, 3rd July 2026 at Trevose Head. Event is Free. Everyone is welcome to attend. Booking is essential. To book, please contact Rowena via email: connectwithnature2009@yahoo.com. No dogs please. #WorldSeabirdDay #ConnectWithNature #CornwallBirds

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UK Seabird Monitoring Programme @smp-seabirds.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

With the 2024 SMP Annual Report showing a 93% decline in breeding abundance since 1986 and a per-pair productivity of just 0.03 in 2024, it's great to see some positive Arctic Skua news. Best of luck to the pairs on St Kilda! #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

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UK Seabird Monitoring Programme @smp-seabirds.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

Cute right? But did you know that Fulmars have a distasteful defence mechanism? The ability to spit a quite repulsive, pungent stomach oil at intruders... Effective. Still cute? #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

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Murray Orchard @murrayorchard.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

My contribution to #WorldSaltmarshDay A harsh, changeable, vulnerable, scarce and declining habitat. Here, the saltmarsh of a Medway island on a spring high tide. Our gulls and terns breed on a knife edge. Photo by @Bknight_3 @smp-seabirds.bsky.social

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UK Seabird Monitoring Programme @smp-seabirds.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

We've received data submissions for 16 of the 25 core SMP species in 2026 so far. Currently, Black Guillemot, Fulmar, and Herring Gull form the top three. How long will Black Guillemot hold the top spot!? Don't forget to submit your data! @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

A graph of the number of data submissions per species to the Seabird Monitoring Programme in 2026. The current top three species are Black Guillemot, Fulmar, and Herring Gull.

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UK Seabird Monitoring Programme @smp-seabirds.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

Happy World Oceans Day! Here is the extent of the world's oceans used by just a few of the seabird species covered by the SMP. Their importance is undeniable #WorldOceansDay #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

For World Ocean Day: the image shows a world map with images of different seabirds in the oceans they utilise. This includes Arctic Tern in the Southern Ocean, Arctic Skua in the South Atlantic Ocean, and Kittiwake in the North Atlantic Ocean.

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UK Seabird Monitoring Programme @smp-seabirds.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

2026 marks the 40th Anniversary of the SMP! To celebrate, we'd like to hear your stories and memories, and see any photos of seabird monitoring over the past four decades. If you have something to share, email us at smp@bto.org #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

Image of a person monitoring seabirds on a rocky and grassy cliff face

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UK Seabird Monitoring Programme @smp-seabirds.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

It's Volunteers' Week, so from the SMP team, we'd like to say a massive thanks to all of you who dedicate your time to the SMP. The data you collect plays a vital role in understanding how the UK's seabirds are faring! #seabirds #volunteers @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

Image of a person on a boat with cliffs and some seabirds in flight in the background.

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UK Seabird Monitoring Programme @smp-seabirds.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

The 2026 SMP Newsletter is here! Read it (and sign up to receive future editions) here: www.bto.org/our-work/sci... to find out about the SMP's 40th anniversary, latest developments, the science of seabird poo, and more! #birds #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

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Murray Orchard @murrayorchard.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

Out on Medway, doing Redshank survey. Landed on Nor Marsh (with permission) where nesting B/H Gulls. A check of other islands produced 390 Med Gulls & 170 Sandwich Terns😊 The latter in new nesting area following abandonment of usual beach. So Kent’s only colony survives!?🙏 @smp-seabirds.bsky.social

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David Steel @steelyseabirder.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

Puffin chicks have hatched on the Isle of May!! The blog has the story… isleofmaynnr.wordpress.com

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