The coldest spring in more than 50 years is being blamed for a dramatic reduction in Scotland's seabird populations, with some down by almost 90%.
Monitoring by RSPB Scotland shows adult birds have arrived late for the breeding season and in poor condition. It is calling for the government to protect the birds and their food sources.
The wildlife charity says harsh weather earlier this year added to the long-term challenges seabirds face, including a lack of food due to the impact of climate change, and poor management of human activities in marine environments.
Colony counts on RSPB Scotland reserves, from the Northern Isles of Orkney and Shetland to the Firth of Clyde, reveal a similar picture with species such as kittiwakes, guillemots and razorbills showing steep declines.
Seabird counts on some sites around Orkney indicated an 87% drop in the number of kittiwakes when compared the sites' last seabird census in 2000, from 24,934 to 3288 in 2013. Razorbills are down 57% from a total of 2228 in 2000 to 966 in 2013, and guillemots have declined by 46% during the same period.
Meanwhile, seabird counts on Ailsa Craig in the Firth of Clyde also show a poor season for guillemot, razorbill and kittiwakes species, with the latter declining 70% since 2000.
Doug Gilbert, head of reserves ecology for RSPB Scotland, said: "The numbers so far are really scary. Orkney again is being hit badly, as it was last year. Although this may just be a temporary effect because of the bad spring weather, the underlining trend for many years has been downward. There are exceptions such as puffin numbers on the Isle of May but even here, many birds are reported as being in poor condition and unlikely to breed successfully."
Allan Whyte, RSPB Scotland marine policy officer, said: "These results should send a clear message to the Scottish Government that it must designate Marine Protected Areas for seabirds, and the sandeels they feed on, to give them a fighting chance."
A full round-up of seabird breeding success is expected in the autumn.
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