Common Terns are incubating eggs and a new couple has chosen a spot to nest right in the “emergency” driveway just up from the police cones by the inlet. They are easy to see and have been active with couple bonding, i.e., “feeding” activity.
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| Common Terns on nest exhibiting couple bonding activity (pair feeding). photo by Bill Segur |
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| Common Terns on nest photo by Bill Segur |
Another Common Tern nest can be seen if you look closely to the left in the dunes.
Oystercatchers are incubating eggs and two nests are visible from outside the posting. One by the inlet and one ocean/jetty side. Scan the tops of dunes!
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| photo by Bill Segur |
We had Black Skimmers hanging out with the decoys this week! There were 40+ Black Skimmers hanging out in the front by access 43.
An occasional Least Tern has been seen checking out the decoys as well!
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| One of these birds is NOT like the others! |
There is a good chance that Willet chicks will soon be seen walking along the beach. There are several Willet pairs who are making themselves HEARD as they dive at people walking near the dunes.
And if the Memorial Day crowds keep you from the beach this weekend, here is a short video of what is happening!
(click link to see video)
As a newbie Bird Steward, I must say I am enjoying it so much and learning a lot. It's amazing how much more you pick up when you take the time to study as you watch. After all my years of birding, I admit with some embarassment, that this past Wednesday was the first time I watched a common tern taking a bath in the shallows then spending 10-15 minutes preening itself and shaking the water off like a wet dog.
ReplyDeleteNancy, I've been a Bird Steward for FIVE years and am still learning new things. This morning I watched the Black Skimmers "bathing" along the beach!
DeleteWould like to thank all of you for the wonderful work you do...can't wait to get back to the beach.
ReplyDelete