End of Nesting Season Approaches

Photo by Mary-Ann Walton

We are approaching the end of the nesting season and the bird posting is quiet.   Important bird activity is still happening in the area of the south end!

WHERE ARE THE BIRDS???...

LEAST TERNS

Photo by Tom Hanna

The Least Terns have left the posting, but training of fledglings in fishing and strong flying skills is happening as they begin migration.  Feeding of fledglings by the parent birds will continue through migration as they improve their own fishing skills.

We have just a couple of fledglings remaining on the beach from the last nests that hatched by access 43 (Gazebo).  You may see those fledglings on the oceanfront area of the posting.

BLACK SKIMMERS

Black Skimmer photos by Tom Hanna

It appears that the “second phase” nests of Black Skimmers that were in the oceanfront area of the posting have failed.  No Black Skimmers have been seen in this area in several days.  Several days of heat index over 100 degrees and the torrential rains (my rain gauge reflected 11 ½ inches of rain in 3 days last week impacted the nesting.  As you know, temperature regulation of the eggs is critical during incubation for successful hatching, and the weather was too extreme.

Photo by Camille Daniels

The first group of Black Skimmers that nested are continuing the training of the Black Skimmer fledglings as they improve their skimming and flying skills in the inlet (Masonboro Inlet).  Many Black Skimmers can be seen across the inlet and on Masonboro Island.  Skimming also takes place in the local tidal creeks.

OYSTERCATCHERS

Our young Oystercatcher (banded ETX) aka “Tex” is flying across the inlet now and training with its parent in the marsh to learn how to find food during low tide.  Training takes place generally 2 hours before and after low tide.

Unsure of the timing of the High and Low Tides, look at the Tide chart for Masonboro Inlet in the Wrightsville Beach magazine or add an app to your phone…. I use the “My Tide Times” app.

You will see the Oystercatchers coming to the nesting area now to rest during High Tide and Mid Tide times.