The National Trust’s Puffin Cam returns for a second season, offering a unique live view of seabird antics on the Farne Islands. The initiative aims to highlight the impact of recent bird flu outbreaks and extreme weather conditions.
Laura Knowles, a representative from the National Trust, stated, “The breeding season is always a special time of year as our ranger teams gear up to monitor the birds daily over the spring and summer months.” The Farne Islands are home to around 200,000 seabirds, including puffins, Arctic terns, guillemots, and kittiwakes.
In 2022, over 6,000 dead birds were recorded due to bird flu. In 2023, that number dropped slightly to more than 3,500. Sophia Jackson noted, “We’ve been closely monitoring the impact of bird flu as part of international research into the disease.” Yet fewer than 10 confirmed cases of bird flu were recorded in 2025.
The live stream of the puffins attracted over a quarter of a million views last year. The live cameras have been switched on just in time for the breeding season. Visitor boats have reopened for the season on the Farne Islands.
Rangers will conduct bird counts next month to assess the impact of bird flu and storms on seabird populations. Storms Goretti, Ingrid, and Chandra caused significant damage to wildlife along the Atlantic coast of Europe.
Ben McCarthy expressed concern about future implications: “We don’t yet know what this means for the puffin and other seabirds which are returning to breed on the Farnes this year.” The National Trust plans to take the puffin cam on a UK tour as part of their Window to the Wild project.
Officials continue to seek answers regarding long-term effects. Annual seabird counts will be completed in June to assess current population health.
