Lots of Skimmers, a Growing Common Tern Chick, and a Walk on the North End

LOTS of skimmers have been hanging out on the ocean side of Masonboro Inlet and the fledgling chicks have been busy learning to skim along the beach.

Skimmers gather on the beach
(photo by Laura Scullin)

Skimmers outside the posting, enjoying the beach
(photo by Laura Scullin)

Adults are still bringing in fish for their chicks.

Skimmer chicks flapping their wings

a hop, skip, and a jump = almost flying!

It was fun watching the chicks chowing down among the adults.

seemingly insatiable appetites

graceful flights

Around sunset the dozens of adults were flying in from the sound.

good comparison of chick and adult Black Skimmer

on the right a skimmer chick is practicing skimming

This chick is still too young to fly.

 Last week we had two brand new common tern chicks on the sound side of the inlet. It must have been a busy week of feeding because the chick has almost doubled in size.

The chick hangs out in the shade of the dunes on a hot day.

The adult common tern chick is still quite vigilant.

feeding time

a family portrait

common tern chick posing for a picture

 Early Sunday morning I took a walk on the north end of Wrightsville Beach... and what to my wondering eyes should appear......

Oystercatchers

 and Royal Terns (with one Sandwich Tern on the left)

These three Royal Terns would have posed for hours!