Bermuda Longtails have begun their spring return to the Island, a sure sign that perhaps springtime weather is soon to follow.

Bermuda Audubon Past-President Andrew Dobson said: ?They have been a little later than usual, but this was expected in light of the recent gales and northerly winds.?

When the birds return they scope out cliff side coastal locations for nesting.

However, finding a suitable location has been a more difficult task of late.

Mr. Dobson said: ?Natural events such as hurricanes and the associated storm surge have led to cliff collapse and the destruction of nest holes that had taken years and years to form.

?These events are only likely to occur more frequently with global warming and higher sea level.?

Hurricane Fabian in 2003 was devastating to local Longtail habitats.

In the aftermath of that storm many Bermudians living on the south shore coastline built or rebuilt sea walls. That too had a debilitating effect on the birds, according to officials.

Mr. Dobson said: ?Construction has had a huge effect on the Longtail, in particular, the building of seabwalls. The proposed destruction of the cliffs at Southlands well not only lessen our natural coastal defence but further reduce the number of available nest sites.?

In an ongoing effort to support the Longtail?s survival the Audubon Society has been building artificial nests so when the birds return they have a home waiting.

Mr. Dobson said: ?The Bermuda Audubon Society has been proactive in trying to assist the Longtail.

?For several years it has been installing artificial nesting ?igloos? in suitable locations. Members of the society were busy last weekend at the Alfred Blackburn nature preserve in Paget cementing several igloos into cliff side locations.?

Audubon officials say members of the public can purchase and place the same igloos they use along the coast.

They?re available from the Audubon Society infoaudubon.bm.