Puffins return to Northern Ireland’s Isle of Muck for first time in 25 years
Gulls have been discovered nesting in a County Antrim nature reserve for the first time in a quarter of a century.
This marks a major milestone in the recovery of vulnerable seabirds in Northern Ireland.
The find was made by Ulster Wildlife on the Isle of Muck, off Islandmagee.
The return is attributed to a dedicated seabird recovery project launched by the conservation charity in 2017.
The main aim of the project was to eradicate invasive brown rats from the small island, which pose a major threat to seabird eggs and chicks.
Alongside this, a winter grazing program was implemented to ensure that vegetation remained low and thus reduce mouse encroachment.
Ulster Wildlife said rats pose a significant challenge to many of the UK’s seabird islands. Similar eradication efforts elsewhere have proven vital in protecting breeding grounds and helping revive seabird populations.
Signs of recovery on the Isle of Muck have been evident for some time; Annual surveys show consistent increases in eider ducks, guillemots, herring gulls and lesser-backed gulls both on and around the island.
The seagulls’ breakthrough came in 2024, when five different birds were observed exploring the island.
This summer, two seagulls were caught on camera emerging from a grassy cliffside nesting nest, providing definitive proof that the birds were now breeding.
“For decades there have been whispers that puffins once bred on the Isle of Muck, a story that sounds more like folklore than fact,” said Andy Crory, Ulster Wildlife’s nature reserves manager.
“But now, thanks to years of hard work to create a safe haven for thousands of seabirds, this legend is becoming reality.
“Seabirds face enormous challenges around the world, with 24 out of 25 breeding species at risk of extinction locally or globally. So while a handful of seagulls on a small island may seem small, this moment is huge – proof that seabird restoration works.”
Mr Crory added: “Our hope is that the Isle of Muck will become a thriving stronghold for puffins and, in time, bring back other lost species such as the Manx shearwater.
“For now, we are eagerly waiting to see if the first ‘puffs’ (baby gulls) will appear on the cliffs next summer. That would really be the icing on the cake.”
The ongoing rat eradication program and species monitoring work at Muck Island Nature Reserve receives funding from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs through the Carrier Bag Levy.
The charity has issued a warning that Muck Island Nature Reserve is closed to public access and that attempting to cross the tidal tombolo at low tide is extremely dangerous.
Ulster Wildlife is urging people to stay away and observe the island from a safe distance to give the returning puffins the best possible chance of settling and breeding successfully next summer.
