RSPB Minsmere records highest fledged sandwich tern count since 1974
It had the highest number of fledged sandwich terns in more than half a century
A coastal nature reserve has recorded its highest number of fledged sandwich terns in more than half a century, after a project to improve the islands where they gather.
Conservationists at RSPB Minsmere in Suffolk counted at least 205 fledged chicks this Summer - the most recorded on site since 1974.
It follows work to refresh existing islands in 2023 and the creation of artificial islands as part of a project to encourage more of the birds to breed at the reserve.
There were 295 breeding pairs at the reserve this year, with sandwich terns classed as a vulnerable species in the UK due to declines in population numbers and because they breed at only a few sites.
Minsmere has shallow lagoons with islands dotted throughout, which provide a place for the sandwich tern colony to gather in large numbers and raise their young.
The nearby North Sea provides a place to find food for breeding birds and their chicks.
The islands at Minsmere are maintained by site staff and volunteers.
Visitor experience officer, Ian Barthorpe, said: "We used our understanding of what sandwich terns need to thrive to create their ideal breeding habitat.
"The number of sandwich terns seen this year plus the great success in fledging such a large number of chicks has far exceeded our hopes and expectations.
"We're over the moon and can't wait to see if we get even more breeding here next year."
Sandwich terns are mostly white with a black cap on their head, a black bill with a yellow tip and short black legs.
In flight, they show grey wedges on the wing tips and a forked tail.
They are the largest of the tern family and migrate each year from Europe and Africa's coastlines to breed.
Sandwich terns only breed at coastal locations and are shallow divers, feeding on fish near the surface of the water.
The species was hunted close to extinction in the 19th century for the millinery trade and the collection of their eggs for food.
Legal protection has seen population numbers rise, however they still face multiple threats.
These include reduced food availability due to overfishing and climate change, loss of nest sites due to coastal erosion, and collision risk or loss of foraging areas to offshore wind turbines.