UHI's 3D-printed terns help ocean's great wanderers find nesting spots

A collaboration between the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) Outer Hebrides and RSPB Scotland is helping terns recognise safe breeding sites via 3D-printed models of the birds.

 

As part of the new Species on the Edge conservation programme, the Terning the Tide project will see 3D-printed replicas of Arctic and little terns placed in newly created nesting habitats to signal to returning birds it a safe space to settle.

 

The decoys are printed in white plastic and painted to resemble the famously migratory birds.

 

"attachment_966589" "" "300"] Arctic Tern in flight.
©Lorne Gill

 

Terning the Tide, which also seeks to aid the common tern, will use the decoys in several areas, including Islay, Tiree, the Inner Hebrides, and the east coast of Sutherland.

 

It is one of nine projects being run by Species on the Edge, a partnership between eight conservation charities seeking to aid 37 priority species along Scotland's coasts and islands.

 

Speaking of Terning the Tide, Doug Rattray from UHI Outer Hebrides said: "We were really happy to work with the RSPB on this project. It was a great opportunity for staff in our Engineering department to put our skills to good use in support of a good cause."

 

The Arctic tern has the longest migration of any bird, travelling between 35,000km and 85,000km a year. It can be seen at Scottish breeding sites in May and June.