Throughout the summer of 2022, Rachel Bigsby undertook the poignant task of documenting the devastating effects of the Avian Influenza outbreak on seabird populations in Scotland and the Shetland Isles for National Geographic. Her work provided a sobering glimpse into the challenges faced by these vulnerable species.
Seabirds are among the most endangered groups of wildlife, already grappling with numerous human-induced threats such as overfishing, invasive species, poorly placed wind turbines, climate change, and entanglement in fishing gear. The resurgence of Avian Influenza, a virus inadvertently spread by human activities, has only compounded these challenges, adding another layer of pressure to their survival.
Northern Gannet carcasses strew the rock face of Hermaness National Nature Reserve on Shetland, which is home to 30,000 northern gannets, on July 4, 2022.
Capturing the Devastation
Rachel Bigsby’s documentation began on the East coast of Scotland and later concentrated on Hermaness National Nature Reserve on Shetland's northernmost island.
Her first encounter with the virus took place in June 2022 at Bass Rock, a renowned seabird colony. The virus had just arrived, and the scenes were both heart-wrenching and alarming. Herring Gulls were hit hardest, and the once-bustling rock was now punctuated by hundreds of empty Northern Gannet nests. With the extent of the outbreak still uncertain, strict biosecurity measures were swiftly enforced, and within days, Bass Rock and many other accessible seabird colonies were closed to visitors in an effort to curb the spread.
A Northern Gannet lies off the coast of Bass Rock, the world’s largest breeding colony of the species, on June 6, 2022.
In late June, Rachel continued north to Shetland and Hermaness NNR, where the virus had reached its peak. Yet, the aftermath was even more difficult to witness than the outbreak itself. Carcasses littered the gannet colonies, and empty nests scarred the cliffs like a grim reminder of the devastation. The infection spread like wildfire, and she watched with dread as the healthy birds inched closer to their inevitable fate. In some areas, young chicks were hatching just inches from diseased corpses, a haunting image of life emerging in the shadow of death.
Image One: Rows of empty nest sites could be seen along the rock face of Hermaness National Nature Reserve on Shetland on July 4, 2022. Image Two - Four: Fallen Gannet carcasses hung and collected on most cliff faces.
The harrowing sight of dying gannets on the shores and cliffs, their once-proud heads tucked under their wings in their final hours, was another profound moment captured. Beneath their striking white and golden plumage, their organs were silently failing.
Perhaps the most distressing scene she documented was the plight of the Great Skua. These predatory seabirds, unknowingly feeding on the infected carcasses of Northern Gannets, were sealing their own tragic fate. Watching the healthy skuas succumb to the virus, Rachel could only feel a deep sense of helplessness and sorrow, knowing the cost of their instinctive behaviour.
A Great Skua prepares to feast on a Gannet carcass on July 5, 2022. Predatory birds that eat the infected carcasses will likely catch bird flu themselves.
Empowering Change Through Photography
While some may question the purpose of photographing such sorrowful events, Rachel views her work as an essential tool for raising awareness. By capturing the resurgence of Avian Influenza, she has enabled a global audience to connect with a crisis they might otherwise never witness. She believes that photography has the power to spark change, illuminating critical environmental issues like this outbreak. Rachel hopes that her images will inspire action and serve as a catalyst for greater awareness and conservation efforts.
In documenting the plight of seabirds during this catastrophic outbreak, Rachel Bigsby’s work for National Geographic stands as a testament to the fragile beauty of nature and the urgent need for its protection.
To find out more and read the full article, visit: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/in-scotland-a-bird-flu-crisis-threatens-thousands-of-seabirds
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