It’s an EGG-cellent Time to Visit the Beach!

Least Tern Nest
Photo by Kathy Hannah

 Shorebirds have been arriving at the south end of Wrightsville Beach since early April.  There has been a lot of courting (fish presentation) and mating in the last few weeks.  

Least Terns courting
Photo by Camille Daniels

The next stage is for them to make a simple scrape in the sand or other substrate, sometimes with pebbles, shells, or bits of vegetation added. And once eggs appear we have an official nest!

There are dozens of nests on the beach right now! Least Terns, Common Terns, Black Skimmers, American Oystercatchers, and Willets are all sitting on nests waiting for their eggs to hatch. 

Common Tern
Photo by Kathy Hannah

Can you see the egg under this Least Tern?
Photo by Camille Daniels 

Black Skimmer egg that was predated by a predator.
Photo by Kathy Hannah

It is amazing how the eggs are camouflaged. We were concerned that there may be a Least Tern nest outside the posting.  Our WBBS found a nest when the parents started scolding them.  This nest had only one egg up to this point and could have so easily been walked on. The second picture - wide angle shot is only 4 feet back.  Look hard and you will see the egg.  It blends in too well.

Photo by Camille Daniels 

Photo by Camille Daniels 

This is a great reminder why it is so important to pay attention any time the birds are flying towards you. They are urging you to “BACK OFF”.  The birds abandon their eggs and future chicks in this “mobbing” behavior as their only defense of the colony. Please listen to them and keep a safe distance away. 

Photos and story by Camille Daniels 

Dozens of Least Terns nesting
Photo by Kathy Hannah 

Common Terns nesting in background 
Photo by Kathy Hannah

American Oystercatcher at shoreline while mate is sitting on nest in the dunes. 
Photo by Camille Daniels 

Here are some videos so you see and hear what’s happening in the colony  

Chicks should be appearing very soon!!!