Kittiwake ledges at Mumbles

The Kittiwake nesting shelves have now been erected on The Mumbles Lifeboat House. Their purpose is to provide alternative nest sites, as the birds are to be excluded from their former nest ledges on the pier whilst extensive renovation work is carried out there this summer. Fingers will be crossed that the birds take to these artificial ledges.

Personally I don't expect that the entire population will move location in the first year, but hopefully some birds will to provide the foundation upon which the colony can regrow. There should be sufficient capacity for around 200 pairs, but whatever the outcome the developers and others involved should be applauded for their commitment in accommodating this very special population.