The summer in the UK and Ireland was notably cool, with Met Office data confirming it as the coolest in nearly a decade.
Despite this, temperatures remained above the 1961-1990 average, reflecting the ongoing warming trend. The season was marked by strong winds, with 12 named storms—the highest since 2015 when naming began.
These westerly winds had an impact on wildlife, bringing various seabirds to the shores.
First-ever sighting of wandering albatross in British waters after Hurricane Ernesto’s impact.Off the Scilly Isles, boat tours observed rare species, including south polar skua, Wilson’s storm petrels, and thousands of Cory’s and great shearwaters.
Hurricane Ernesto’s aftermath brought two species of albatross to the Irish coast. A black-browed albatross, typically seen in British waters, was spotted in County Cork.
However, the real highlight was the first-ever sighting of a wandering albatross, the bird with the world’s longest wingspan.
This enormous seabird, briefly seen off County Cork, was described by witnesses as resembling a “hang-glider” before it disappeared.