Wing and a prayer

Experts face anxious wait to discover virus impact on migrating seabirds

- DAN VEVERS

SCOTS nature chiefs have launched a massive operation to protect seabird colonies from avian flu.

NatureScot officials, along with staff from charities such as the RSPB, have increased surveillance and monitoring of wild birds and have also bolstered biosecurity measures on their island habitats.

Conservationists are anxiously waiting to see how the virus has affected seabird populations this year.

It comes after unprecedented waves of bird flu around the world decimated colonies like gannets and great skuas, with thousands of birds washing up dead.