UK Seabird Monitoring Programme SMP funded by @btobirds.bsky.social & @jncc.bsky.social, in association with @rspb.bsky.social. Fieldwork conducted by volunteer & professional surveyors.
UK Seabird Monitoring Programme
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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
(1/) Last but not least, we cover Northern Ireland for two up, two down. One of the most significant increases has been Blackcap. This warbler species increased by 725% across the country 1997-2024. @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspbscience.bsky.social @bto-ni.bsky.social #Ornithology
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
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 [email protected] #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social
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
The SMP is lacking breeding success data.
In 2025, colony count data were submitted for 861 sites, but breeding success data were submitted for just 133 sites.
If you can monitor seabird breeding success, email us at [email protected]! #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social
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
UK Seabird Monitoring Programme
The recommended SMP colony count period for gulls starts today. Don't forget this includes Kittiwakes! #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social
Puffin chicks have hatched on the Isle of May!! The blog has the story… isleofmaynnr.wordpress.com
Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS)
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
