Lots of Empty Nests = Another Successful Season

 

The bird posting may be quiet, but important bird activity is happening in the area of the south end!

LEAST TERNS

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

We have just a few fledglings remaining on the beach from the last nests that hatched by access 43 (Gazebo).  You will see those fledgling on the oceanfront beach in front of the new skimmer nesting area.

BLACK SKIMMERS

We have another group of about 31 Black Skimmers incubating eggs and caring for small chicks in the oceanfront area of the posting… so when you include the mates you will see about 68 Black Skimmers! 

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 sweet 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.