Usually our nesting season would be slowing down at the beginning of August as our fluffy chicks turn to feathered fledglings and get ready for their journey south. BUT NOT THIS YEAR! Although many of the Least Terns have fledged, a few remain in the colony and our Black Skimmers and American Oystercatchers are often found hanging out across the inlet (several have been spotted on Masonboro Island). But the posted area at the south end of Wrightsville Beach is very active.
We have extended our weekly Monday morning Bird Walks through the end of August. And if you get a chance to come out and join us here are some samples of what is out there....
NEWLY HATCHED COMMON TERN CHICKS
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| Photo by Cordelia Norris, 8/3 |
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| photos by Bill Segur, 7/29 |
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| photos by Bill Segur, 7/29 |
(Look for the legs of the Common Tern chicks in the pictures below as they take shelter under a parent.)
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| photos by Bill Segur, 7/29 |
The Common Tern chicks are growing rapidly. A few are already as large as the parents!
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| photos by Kathy Hannah, 8/10 |
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| photos by Kathy Hannah, 8/10 |
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| photos by Kathy Hannah, 8/10 |
AND JUST THIS WEEK .... MORE BLACK SKIMMER CHICKS HAVE HATCHED
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| photos by Kathy Hannah, 8/10 |
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| photos by Kathy Hannah, 8/10 |
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| photos by Kathy Hannah, 8/10 |
These newly hatched Black Skimmer chicks are masters at camouflage!
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| photos from Michelle Frazier, 8/9 |
YOUNG BLACK SKIMMERS ARE PRACTICING THEIR SKIMMING
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| Photos by Tom Hanna, 7/27 |
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| Photos by Tom Hanna, 7/27 |
Several young Black Skimmers have been banded. Perhaps we will see some of them return to our area next summer!
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| photos by Kathy Hannah, 8/10 |
Thanks so much for this blog! I really enjoy reading about and seeing the photos of what's happening at the nesting colony -- it's the next best thing to being there in person. :-)
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