More Birds Arriving Every Day

photo by Martin West

Migration is underway and groups of birds have been arriving consistently since April 15. 

Our Audubon NC Coastal Biologist Lindsay Addison did a nest check on the south end the morning of 4/28.  Lindsay’s nest checks provide us with specific numbers and nesting updates to report.

AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHERS – Both pairs of Oystercatchers now have nests! 

Oystercatcher banded EMY and mate who are seen on the inlet side have now nested.   EMY is the adult Oystercatcher that had a successful fledging last year.  Oystercatcher banded CT4 and mate, newly banded CFO, have been seen on the ocean side.  CT4 nested last year but lost the chicks within days.

banded EMY

newly banded CFO
Photo by Martin West

banded CT4

Remember the birds may practice making scrapes during courtship, but scrapes are only considered “nests” once they have eggs in them.

BLACK SKIMMERS – Black Skimmers have been arriving in groups since 4/14.  The count was 312 on Saturday 4/23, 357 on 4/24 and 383 on 4/27. 

Lindsay was able to identify 3 Black Skimmers that were banded as chicks on the south end of Wrightsville Beach in 2019 and returned this year.  How cool is that???

Note the fish in the mouth of the mating skimmer.
Photo by Martin West

Photo by Martin West

Photo by Camille Daniels

COMMON TERNS – Seven pairs of Common Terns were on the beach on 4/28.  Courtship and mating continue.

Photo by Martin West

LEAST TERNS –  A large group of Least Terns is now present and in the air regularly on the south end!  It appears that several Least Terns are nesting on the ocean side.

Courtship activities including fish presentations, scraping, and mating continue!

Photo by Camille Daniels

Being on the beach is exciting now as so many birds are present and very active. 

BIRD WALKS START NEXT MONDAY 

Free bird walks to the south end nesting area will be available for the public every Monday at 9 AM beginning, this Monday, May 2 until mid-August.  Join us!  Invite your friends & family!!  We will meet at the gazebo at Beach Access 43.