Puffin, 34, dies after being washed up in stormy weather on Aberdeenshire beach

A puffin has died after washing up on an Aberdeenshire beach amid stormy weather.

The 34-year-old bird was discovered at Balmedie Beach and taken to New Arc Wildlife Rescue in Ellon on January 29.

Unfortunately, the rescuers have now confirmed in a post on social media that the puffin died later that night.

Last month, the Scottish SPCA warned that puffins were struggling to survive the stormy weather that has torn across the country because they struggle to feed in strong winds.

The New Arc Wildlife Rescue team said: “In recent weeks, dead and exhausted puffins have been washing ashore not only here, but along much of the UK’s coast and as far south as France, Spain, and Portugal.

“For a species already facing significant pressures, such events can be devastating.

“Among the many puffins admitted into our care in recent weeks was this extraordinary individual.”

The puffin, found on Balmedie Beach, carried a leg ring issued by the BTO British Trust for Ornithology which meant they were able to update their records.

New Arc Wildlife Rescue

The team added: “Sadly, despite our best efforts, this resilient seabird, like so many others affected by the wreck, was too weak to recover and passed away in our care.

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“While we could not return them to the sea, we are honoured to have cared for such an extraordinary individual in their final chapter.

“Over more than three decades, this puffin would have weathered countless storms, shifting oceans, and changing seas.”

Puffin discovered to be over 34 years old

On Monday, the team received the puffin’s ringing history which revealed the bird had been originally ringed on the Isle of May on May 11, 1995.

At the time of ringing, the puffin was estimated to be at least three years old.

This means that at the time of rescue, the puffin was over 34 years old, making them the oldest Atlantic puffin ever admitted into the care of New Arc Wildlife Rescue, and the oldest bird they have ever had a ring recovery for.