'OAP' seabird going strong at 34

Jul 17 2009

Experts on a bird-ringing expedition to a remote Scottish island have discovered two OAPs - "old age puffins" - including the oldest known member of the species in Europe.

Expedition member Ian Buxton recaptured a bird first ringed on June 28, 1975, making it more than 34 years old, beating the previous record holder, a 33-year-old Icelandic bird.

Experts involved in the British Trust for Ornithology's bird ringing scheme said it was possible even older puffins could be discovered in the next few years.