Ynys Feurig facts for kids
Ynys Feurig (also known as Ynys Feirig) is a group of three small, rocky islands off the west coast of Anglesey, North Wales. These islands are connected and can be reached from the mainland when the tide is low. They are located near the village of Rhosneigr and south of RAF Valley airfield. The islands are also known by their English name, Starvation Island. Long ago, a large sailing ship called the Norman Court ran aground nearby in Cymyran Bay.
A Special Place for Seabirds
Ynys Feurig is a very important home for many seabirds, especially a type of bird called the tern. It's a key breeding spot for roseate terns on Anglesey. Even though there aren't as many roseate terns breeding here now as there used to be, the island is still super important for them.
Because of its importance for birds, Ynys Feurig is part of a special protected area called the Ynys Feurig, Cemlyn Bay and The Skerries Special Protection Area. This area also includes two other nearby places: Cemlyn Bay and The Skerries. All three places are also recognized as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International.
Ynys Feurig is also known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. This means it's a place with special plants, animals, or geology that needs to be protected. The birds often fly between these three sites, and they are all part of a larger group of terns living around the Irish Sea, including birds from places like Rockabill Island in Ireland.
Protecting the Terns
One of the biggest dangers to the terns on Ynys Feurig is rats. In 1978, rats sadly killed 17 adult terns, including 14 roseate terns. They also destroyed all the eggs and young birds that year. To help protect the terns, the RSPB has wardens who look after the site.
They do things like carefully managing the plants on the island and providing special nestboxes for the birds to lay their eggs in. However, the number of roseate terns that breed here mostly depends on how healthy the entire group of terns in the Irish Sea is.
In July 2005, a very rare bird called a sooty tern visited Ynys Feurig for a short time. This was very exciting for birdwatchers! After its brief visit, the sooty tern moved on to The Skerries and Cemlyn Bay.
