The Cornish Chough population has grown by more than 100 birds for the second year running.

A record 55 pairs attempted to breed this summer, up from 47 last year.

Although not all breeding attempts were successful due to poor spring weather, this number shows the success of over 20 years of conservation efforts to restore Cornwall's national bird.

Of the confirmed pairs, 40 successfully raised a brood, with 108 'Choughlets' fledging from nests around the Kernow coastline.

This is just four fewer than last year's total.

Hilary Mitchell from Cornwall Birds (CBWPS) said: "It's been another amazing year for our Chough.

"These sightings were incredibly helpful and allowed volunteers to locate a record 11 new pairs in 2024.

"It's likely that the horrible wet weather we suffered over the winter and early spring made it difficult for the Chough as they started to breed at the end of March.

"Our hardy birds carried on despite the rain and still fledged over 100 chicks, an impressive result."

(Image: Paul Gillard)

Andrew Jones, Chough conservation officer for the RSPB in Cornwall, said: "We’re particularly keen to hear from potential volunteers on the North Coast, from the Camel Estuary to Bude, where prime habitat for Choughs is expected to attract more breeding pairs in the coming years.

"But wherever you’re based in Cornwall, if you’d like to join us in protecting these beautiful, characterful birds, we’d love to hear from you."

Choughs were extinct in Cornwall 50 years ago.

The joint efforts of the RSPB, nature-friendly farmers, land managers, Natural England, the National Trust, and the dedication of volunteers have turned this around.

Lydia Allt, volunteering and community officer for the Lizard and Penrose National Trust, said: "We are delighted to be celebrating another year of this successful nature conservation story in Cornwall, with Chough numbers continuing to go from strength to strength."

"Our thanks goes to a wonderful team of dedicated volunteers who give their time to monitoring Choughs.

"With their help, we have been able to build an accurate picture as the population grows in number and range.”

The next chapter of the Cornish Chough story depends on public sightings.

People are encouraged to email any sightings, even from gardens, to CBWPS at choughs@cbwps.org.uk.