Colony updates

(update from Marlene)...

SOUTH WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH….

BLACK SKIMMERS

As you are aware, the Black Skimmers seem to prefer the ocean side of the colony now.  We are not sure why that location is more desirable, but one theory is that there is no vegetation to hide predators and the sand is softer and makes it easier to make scrapes for roosting.  Just a guess!

Speaking of predators, several bird stewards have observed the remains of several chicks that appear to have been predated by a Great Horned Owl. 

There were three Black Skimmers incubating eggs last week but it appears that crows that were observed harassing them on Thursday may have forced the parents to abandon their nests.  It was challenging for the black skimmers who were incubating eggs because they were alone on their nests in the highway area.   The other skimmers that could potentially make an appropriate “mob” against the crows were on the ocean side and not close by to help.

After an official bird survey of the south end on Tuesday (7/29) between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM a total of 327 adult Black Skimmers and 66 fledglings were recorded at the colony.

Sixty six fledglings is considered good productivity for 101 nests.  We were able to band 33 of the black skimmer chicks over the last couple of weeks.  The parents keep those chicks well hidden!

Adult Black Skimmer posing for our blog.

Someone said I have to fly to Central America in a few weeks,
so I'm resting while I can.

This quartet seems ready to break into song!

Black Skimmer colony on the ocean side

"How to Skim" lesson for skimmer fledgling

adult and fledgling skimmer at shoreline

This fledgling has got it!!!!

What are you looking at?

OYSTERCATCHERS

It appears that CKK and parents are doing very well and leaving the colony regularly for feeding.

CKN aka “Kent” and parents are seen regularly at ocean side with the flock of Black Skimmers and at the shoreline.  Kent was spotted flying a short distance a few days ago.

COMMON TERNS

Marlene saw a Common Tern chick yesterday just in front of the dunes on the ocean side.  The parents are vigilant in keeping people away from it.  It is still brown and downy…and cute!  It appears to be hanging out with two young Black Skimmer chicks…  Look for the Common Tern parents that are roosting on the posting.

Common Tern fledglings are flying everywhere!

FISHING LINE & GEAR

When you are at the colony, please look out for fishing line and fishing gear which can entangle one of our birds or chicks and cause major harm.  Several stewards have reported finding fishing line…and it seems to be happening every day.

The bird stewards look at the chicks and adult birds throughout the colony and check their legs for possible fishing line.  Would you please help with this effort?  If you see a bird entangled in fishing line and not able to fly, please notify a bird steward so they can get help to untangle the bird.

BIRD STEWARD BLOG AND BIRD WALKS….

Remember to tell your friends, neighbors and family about our blog and Friday morning Bird Walks.  If your friends want to know what you have been doing all summer, invite them to the Bird Walk!!

Every FRIDAY MORNING @ 9 AM AT BEACH ACCESS 43.  JUST MEET IN THE GAZEBO!