Common-Tern-1200x675 Galway Tern Colony Thrives Despite Avian Flu Losses — Common Tern

A conservation project in Galway City has helped Common Terns thrive on artificial rafts in Lough Atalia, but the colony has suffered heavy losses due to avian flu.

For six years, Conservation Volunteers Galway and Atlantic Technological University have monitored the birds, installing floating platforms designed to protect them from predators and disturbance. This year, BirdWatch Ireland joined the project to ring adult terns for the first time, providing valuable data on survival, migration, and links with other colonies.

During a late May visit, 14 adult terns were ringed, including a remarkable 19-year-old bird originally ringed as a chick in Cork Harbour. The colony held 42 nests, a strong indicator of the project’s success.

The first chicks hatched in late May, but soon after, the colony was hit by a suspected avian flu outbreak, resulting in the loss of almost all chicks and many adults. The setback follows a similar outbreak in 2023, though 2024 saw healthy fledging of around 60 chicks.

Despite the losses, conservationists remain hopeful. “The platforms provide safe, reliable nesting, and many adults may survive to return next year,” said a BirdWatch Ireland spokesperson. Young terns born in recent seasons may also return to strengthen the colony in the future.

Funding for the project comes from Atlantic Technological University, The Heritage Council, Galway Atlantaquaria, Galway City Tidy Towns, and public donations.