They’re Back!

Photo by Tom Hanna 

Birds are starting to arrive at the south end!   Decoys of Least Terns and Black Skimmers were posted in the area by the gazebo on Saturday, 4/13.  Decoys are used to attract the birds to the best nesting spot within the posted area after a dredge project.  Black Skimmers, Least Terns, Common Terns and Oystercatchers have been seen on the south end as well as Royal Terns and Sandwich Terns.  The Oystercatcher (banded EMY) who successfully nested and fledged a chick in 2021 is back with an unbanded mate.

Lindsay Addison, the Audubon NC Coastal Biologist, checked for Oystercatcher scrapes this week and found two…one for each pair of Oystercatchers!  Remember… beach-nesting birds may practice making scrapes in the sand during courtship, but scrapes are only considered “nests” once they have eggs in them! Lindsay’s nest checks provide us with specific numbers and nesting updates to report.

AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHERS – We are seeing two pairs of Oystercatchers… presently claiming territory and beginning nesting activity.

Both pairs nested on the south end last year.  The Oystercatcher with green band EMY and “unbanded” mate. 

The second pair of Oystercatchers are both wearing green leg bands… CT4 and mate CF0. 

Oystercatchers eat a low tide when oysters and other bi-valves (clams, mussels) are exposed.  You will generally see them 2 hours each side of high tide on the south end.

BLACK SKIMMERS – Black Skimmers have been arriving in large groups and have been seen by the decoys and at the water’s edge. 

Video by Melody Wilson

Photo by Tom Hanna

LEAST TERNS - Least Terns are flying overhead, fishing and landing by the decoys.  Courtship activities have begun and fish presentations have been observed and photographed!

Photo by Tom Hanna

Photo by Laila Mandour

COMMON TERNS - Common Terns can be seen guarding the colony from the top of the posting signs and are beginning to court. 

Photo by Cathy Cummings

Photo by Cathy Cummings 

April 29 –Public Bird Walks begin.   Free bird walks to the south end nesting area for the public (and Bird Stewards) every Monday at 9 AM until mid-August.  Join us!  Invite your friends & family!!  We will meet at the gazebo at Beach Access 43.

Photo by Marlene Eader