Presenting (drum roll please) the Least Tern Chicks of 2015

A bit over dramatic? Perhaps. But many of the Wrightsville Beach Bird Stewards have been waiting a long time to see these adorable chicks. Last year no least terns were able to nest successfully so the anticpation has been buildng until today's crescendo.

I am sure we are going to be treated to some amazing photos of these courageous creatures but here are some of the first. Michelle Frazier was at the colony this morning and offers these glimpses into the world of Least Tern chicks.

Decoys provide excellent shade. I'm sure Lindsay planned it this way all along!

Seriously, it seemed that the majority of the Least Tern's sitting were sheltering a little somebody or two.

...or THREE!

That one's trouble!

When I went out to the colony this afternoon I could not stop smiling at these new chicks checking out their new world.  It was quite warm so most of them (less than 24 hours old) were staying tucked under mom or dad.

Occassionally a chick would peek out and check out its new world.

The parents kept their new chicks carefully shaded in the heat.

New chick checking out a new world to be explored.

Triplets!