Sign in

Sue Lewis

@sue-lewis.bsky.social
41 followers 34 following 8 posts

Seabird ecologist and lecturer @edinburghnapier.bsky.social and teaching fellow at UoE, she/her. Love exploring wild places, walking, running, spending quality time with family and friends.

PostsRepliesMedia
Sue Lewis @sue-lewis.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
Watch as a newly hatched Northern gannet chick briefly peeks out from beneath its parent. Thanks to the Scottish Seabird Centre for the amazing camera.
050
Sue Lewis @sue-lewis.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
The first chick of the season was spotted this evening, though I am sure there are a few others tucked away. Thanks to the Scottish Seabird Centre for the amazing cameras.
252
Sue Lewis @sue-lewis.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
Update from one of my gannet plots at the Bass Rock. Sadly there have been some losses, perhaps linked to the intense heat yesterday. Thanks to @seabirdcentre.bsky.social for access to the cameras.
010
Sue Lewis @sue-lewis.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
Bass Rock study plot update 🪶 Almost a full house of eggs now - a few still to go, and already some loss (red sticky dot) After recent HPAI impacts, monitoring breeding success this season feels especially important. Thanks to @seabirdcentre.bsky.social for access to the cameras.
020
Sue Lewis @sue-lewis.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
The gannet breeding season has properly arrived on Bass Rock. At a second study plot I’m monitoring, the first egg appeared on 01/05 - today there are already 18 eggs. The yellow sticky dots are multiplying 🟡 Big thanks to @seabirdcentre.bsky.social for access to the cameras.
071
Sue Lewis @sue-lewis.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
It was lovely to catch this on the camera this morning. They are mesmerising to watch!
020
Reposted by Sue Lewis
RSPB @rspb.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
Now May is here, it’s time to pause the seed and peanut feeders and switch to safer summer feeding with small amounts of mealworms or suet. Remember, feeders can spread disease, so keeping them clean matters. Click the link below for our full guidance on keeping garden birds healthy year round 👇
218164
Sue Lewis @sue-lewis.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
Back watching gannets with @seabirdcentre.bsky.social 📷 First egg spotted today 🐣 Time for sticky dot #1 on the plot 🎯✨
000
Reposted by Sue Lewis
Scottish Seabird Centre @seabirdcentre.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
Egg-citing news!🥚 The first gannet eggs of the season have been spotted on the Bass Rock👀 Our Bass Rock guide, Maggie, spotted several out on the rock yesterday and Dr Sue Lewis of Edinburgh Napier University spotted this one on our live cameras too🎥
1255
Sue Lewis @sue-lewis.bsky.social · 05/04/2026
Proud to have been part of this research - great to see it featured by the BBC www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Bass Rock gannet population falls by almost a third since bird flu outbreak
More than 100,000 northern gannets are thought to live on the Bass Rock, despite a population decrease.
030
Reposted by Sue Lewis
BTO England @btoengland.bsky.social · 15/01/2026
Any volunteers in Norfolk who can survey this @bbs-birds.bsky.social square? #NorfolkBirding
057
Reposted by Sue Lewis
Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS) @bbs-birds.bsky.social · 06/11/2025
The BBS Team is currently busy verifying 2025 data. For the next couple of weeks, we are going to share some species info from 2024. This week, we share the 10 most numerous species recorded on BBS squares across the UK in 2024! @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspbscience.bsky.social
A list of the most numerous species recorded on BBS squares across the UK in 2024.
03214
Reposted by Sue Lewis
UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) @ukceh.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
Wild seabirds are more likely to split up in windy weather, new Edinburgh Napier-led research with UKCEH & @bioss.bsky.social shows. This is significant as climate change is bringing windier weather conditions. UKCEH's Francis Daunt spoke to BBC Scotland (~1hr 27m) www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/... 🧪
bbc.co.uk
Lunchtime Live - 05/11/2025 - BBC Sounds
News updates from Scotland and beyond, plus all your lunchtime sport, travel and weather.
1115
Reposted by Sue Lewis
UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) @ukceh.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
Importantly, birds that remained with the same partner tended to lay eggs earlier, which is strongly tied to how many chicks they rear 🐣. See our news story: ceh.ac.uk/news-and-med... Read the full paper: sciencedirect.com/science/arti... #seabirds #ClimateChange 🧪
ceh.ac.uk
Seabirds are more likely to ‘divorce’ in bad weather
Wild seabirds are more likely to split up in windy weather, according to a new study involving the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology.
01210
Reposted by Sue Lewis
BioSS @bioss.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
📣 New publication in the journal Animal Behaviour from our Adam Butler led by @edinburghnapier.bsky.social in collaboration with @ukceh.bsky.social. 📰 Read the summary here: www.bioss.ac.uk/case-studies... 📕 Read the full paper here: www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
bioss.ac.uk
Seabirds more likely to ‘divorce’ in bad weather
Wild seabirds are more likely to split up in windy weather, according to a newly published study led by Edinburgh Napier University, in collaboration with the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH)...
0117
Reposted by Sue Lewis
Edinburgh Napier University @edinburghnapier.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
🐦‍⬛ | Wild seabirds are more likely to split up in windy weather, according to a newly published study led by #EdNapier. The paper reveals that environmental conditions before the breeding season appear to have an impact on mate faithfulness. Full story ➡️ orlo.uk/Zfiqf #MustBeNapier
A European Shag.
196
Reposted by Sue Lewis
Edinburgh Napier University @edinburghnapier.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
📸- Richard Barlett #MustBeNapier | #ENUDifferenceMakers
011
Reposted by Sue Lewis
RSPB @rspb.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
Today’s #AutumnArrivalSpotlight shines on the Starling! Forget fireworks...Autumn’s skies come alive with magnificent murmurations: vast, swirling clouds of Starlings dancing at dusk. One of nature's greatest spectacles. 😍
327371
Reposted by Sue Lewis
British Ornithologists’ Union (BOU) @bou.org.uk · 29/09/2025
NEW on #theBOUblog from Sue Lewis After the outbreak: how gannets bounce back from bird flu bou.org.uk/blog-lewi... Based on this IBIS paper doi.org/10.1111/ibi.... #ornithology 🪶
1106
Reposted by Sue Lewis
British Ornithologists’ Union (BOU) @bou.org.uk · 25/09/2025
EARLY VIEW in IBIS Effect of a previous high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAIV) infection on the breeding success of Northern Gannets (Morus bassanus) | onlinelibrary.wiley.... Sue Lewis et al | #ornithology 🪶
1219
Reposted by Sue Lewis
Jude Lane @heyjooode.bsky.social · 25/09/2025
Paper can be found here: doi.org/10.1111/ibi....
doi.org
Effect of a previous high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAIV) infection on the breeding success of Northern Gannets (Morus bassanus)
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAIV) caused widespread mortality and breeding failure among many wild, avian populations in Europe and North America in 2021–2023, but most populations exhibited ...
032
Reposted by Sue Lewis
Scottish Seabird Centre @seabirdcentre.bsky.social · 25/09/2025
New @edinburghnapier.bsky.social study suggests that exposure to #avianflu does not affect breeding success in gannets, but shows worrying declines in breeding productivity over all. We're very proud to be part of this vital research project. Learn more↙️ www.napier.ac.uk/about-us/new... 📷J Lane
Image shows an adult gannet (the UK's largest seabird) preening large guga (gannet chick) on the Bass Rock. The image was taken by RSPB research scientist Dr Jude Lane.
1162
Reposted by Sue Lewis
Edinburgh Napier University @edinburghnapier.bsky.social · 25/09/2025
🪹 | Seabirds that survived recent bird flu outbreaks have continued to reproduce, although overall breeding performance remains notably low, according to a new study. The study has looked at breeding success in Northern Gannets at two locations during 2023. 🔗 orlo.uk/44CaS 📸 Dave Pressland
A black-eyed gannet.
13012
Reposted by Sue Lewis
Edinburgh Napier University @edinburghnapier.bsky.social · 25/09/2025
The paper, led by #EdNapier's Dr Sue Lewis, in a collaboration with conservation scientists and staff from the @rspb.bsky.social, the @seabirdcentre.bsky.social and the @ukceh.bsky.social has been published by the international avian science journal Ibis. 📸 James Glossop
Gannets plunging near the Bass Rock
093
Reposted by Sue Lewis
Scottish Seabird Centre @seabirdcentre.bsky.social · 24/05/2025
Find out more in our new blog: www.seabird.org/blog/2024-ba... 📷©️Greg Macvean
022
Reposted by Sue Lewis
Scottish Seabird Centre @seabirdcentre.bsky.social · 24/05/2025
So, while the news in 2024 isn’t exactly what we were hoping for, the absence of new flu cases during 2024 and improved survey methods are promising signs. With continued monitoring and care, there’s still hope that this spectacular seabird colony can bounce back in the years ahead. 📷©️J McDermaid
291
Reposted by Sue Lewis
Scottish Seabird Centre @seabirdcentre.bsky.social · 24/05/2025
But there is some good news. The 2024 survey didn’t turn up many signs of ongoing illness, suggesting that the avian flu did not return during 2024. Also, the presence of so many chicks implies that foraging conditions were good, allowing parents to feed their young successfully. 📷©️Greg Macvean
121
Reposted by Sue Lewis
Scottish Seabird Centre @seabirdcentre.bsky.social · 24/05/2025
Although these figures are estimates (so should be treated with caution) these results suggest that the gannet population has not yet started to recover from the impact of the avian flu outbreak in 2022.
112
Reposted by Sue Lewis
Scottish Seabird Centre @seabirdcentre.bsky.social · 24/05/2025
From this, we estimated the total number of AOS (apparently occupied sites) on Bass Rock in 2024 to be around 46,045. This indicates a 6.7% decrease compared with the last survey completed in 2023 & comparison of the estimated total population between 2023 & 2024 indicates a decrease of around 11%.
2128
Reposted by Sue Lewis
Scottish Seabird Centre @seabirdcentre.bsky.social · 24/05/2025
The 2024 Bass Rock Gannet Count is complete✅ A high-resolution drone survey - carried out in partnership with @edinburgh-uni.bsky.social School of Geosciences, @ukceh.bsky.social & @edinburghnapier.bsky.social in July 2024 - provided a detailed new look at the Bass Rock gannet colony. 📷©️G Macvean
14313
Reposted by Sue Lewis
RSPB @rspb.bsky.social · 09/01/2025
Just 1 teaspoon of neonicotinoids can kill 1.25 BILLION bees. Yesterday, over 1 million voices told the UK Government: stop allowing banned pesticides in our countryside. DEFRA, it’s time to end ‘emergency’ use. Protect pollinators vital to nature's recovery & our food security.
A vibrant close-up of a bumblebee feeding on a bright purple thistle flower. The bee's fuzzy black body is adorned with distinctive yellow-orange bands, and its delicate wings glisten in the light. The thistle's spiky green base contrasts sharply with its soft, spindly petals, which are dusted with pollen. It highlights the vital role of pollinators like bumblebees and butterflies.
10724171
Reposted by Sue Lewis
BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 20/12/2024
Please ALSO report any sightings of dead and sick birds to BirdTrack through www.birdtrack.net for monitoring purposes. Thank you.
087
Reposted by Sue Lewis
RSPB @rspb.bsky.social · 04/12/2024
We humbly interrupt your scroll to bring you the news that Wisdom—the world's oldest known wild bird—is breeding again, age 74. Go on girl. 😍
A screenshot of a social media post from USFWSPacific that reads:

"SHE DID IT AGAIN!  

Wisdom, the world’s oldest known wild bird, is back with a new partner and just laid yet another egg.  

At an approximate age of 74, the queen of seabirds returned to Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge last week and began interacting with a male."  

This tweet is paired with an image of two Laysan Albatrosses at Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge. Wisdom, the oldest known wild bird, is shown alongside her new partner, demonstrating her enduring legacy as a remarkable seabird.
281825468
Reposted by Sue Lewis
BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 27/11/2024
Need tips to identify birds of prey? Check out this animated bird guide by @willrose.bsky.social. These videos are supporting Cudyll Cymru, a BTO project in Wales, which asks volunteers to record birds of prey. Sign up to take part ➡️ bit.ly/CudyllCymru
1377
Reposted by Sue Lewis
RSPB @rspb.bsky.social · 19/11/2024
Brrr! With temperatures plunging, here's how we can help wildlife weather the cold. ❄️
This winter scene depicts a snowy garden transformed into a wildlife haven. A snow-laden tree with a nestbox and a Blue Tit perched nearby illustrates the importance of providing shelter. Hanging nearby is a suet feeder to provide an energy boost in cold conditions. On the right, a bare branch with bright red berries highlights how fruit-bearing shrubs and trees offer a natural winter feast. Below, a pile of logs and leaves, emphasises how leaving these natural elements provide essential cosy hiding spots for small mammals. To the left, a bird drinks from a shallow dish of water kept ice-free and topped up, ensuring a vital source of hydration. Finally, a blackbird is shown foraging on a patch cleared of snow, demonstrating how such efforts can help birds find food during harsh conditions.
1327111
Reposted by Sue Lewis
RSPB @rspb.bsky.social · 20/11/2024
Today’s #AutumnArrivalSpotlight is the Scaup, the UK’s rarest breeding duck! 🦆 Numbers build in winter as birds arrive from Iceland and Scandinavia, gracing our coastal waters. Look for their striking plumage and rounded heads as they dive in search of mussels & crustaceans.
631426