Victims of the Storms ?

[Kayleigh]

Originally Posted by Jackaroo

I didn't say he was ok, he's nuts.Lol. It's hereditary.

Ooooh, haven't seen them since....... a while ago.

Wondered where you bet it from..
If I get any decent shots you will see them again..

[Jackaroo]

OMG!!!! You did it again. You knocked me off topic. You're a baaaaad girl.

[Kayleigh]

Originally Posted by Jackaroo

OMG!!!! You did it again. You knocked me off topic. You're a baaaaad girl.

Oops...sorry

Well, I cant be rude and not answer you can I..xx

[Dogghound]

This is a common cause of mortality around here within the colonies. There are large numbers of birds and natural mortality is unfortunately high during breeding. The Auks here have all but left the colony (males and Juvs) with only females and none-breeders still present, so hopefully not to many birds are at risk from storms. I am currently conducting a long term study into seabirds and in particular the impact of commercial fisheries on them. Does any commecial fishing occur within the bay i.e. Salmon netting? However this almost always results in razorbill bycatch with small numbers of guillemot, which sounds a lot different to what you have found. Although you found a lot of birds im sure in comparison to the colony size it is limited. For example we have around 60,000 guillemot and 15,000 razorbill at the colony I am working with the impact of storms appears minimal and both species colonies continue to increase here, against many other colonies in Britain/N. Europe which are in decline. Possibly closely linked to the local sand eel population and last couple of cold winters (which help sandeels).