The 4 American Oystercatcher nests are still doing very well with some “starring” (Tiny star-shaped fractures appear at large end of egg 2–3 days before hatching.) starting on some of the eggs. The little cracks on the egg shells by the chick are evidence that we will have chicks very soon!
We have over 200 Black Skimmers busy with courtship activities, scraping and hanging out at the south end. One nest has been located so far but we anticipate more this week!
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| Black Simmers resting on the beach. At times they appear to be asleep (or dead) as they relax. (photo by Laura Scullin) |
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| An example of "mobbing" behavior exhibited when the birds are protecting their eggs and/or chicks. |
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| These Willets paraded through the Black Skimmer colony. |
The Common Terns are incubating eggs. Eight nests have been found each of which have 1-3 eggs. One Common Tern nest is visible on the sound side and the Common Terns are often seen perched on the postings warning beach-goers to keep their distance.
The Least Terns are busy with courtship activities and many have nested and are incubating eggs again following Tropical Storm Ana. Over 100 Least Terns have been seen recently at the south end. They are nesting in the highway area, along the side dunes and at the point. The nests on the side dunes are easy to see from outside the posting with or without optics!
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| During courting, the male will offer the female food in hopes of gaining her choice as a mate. |
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| Some of the females appear to be quite picky! |
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| The courtship continues! |
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| I'm hoping this is a nest! |
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| Only 5 Least Terns here, but there are hundreds on the beach. |
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