Rain!

I was on the beach Thursday morning and it rained. I was back Friday morning... and it rained. I saw some sun this morning... but then it rained. Still lots of sightings of fledgling least terns (some even flying out over the water), skimmer chicks taking short flights, at least four oystercatcher "chicks",  and still some very new fluffy least tern babies. Hope to see you out there soon.

Up Close and Personal with CJP

On Sunday some of us were able to spend some closeup time with the banded oystercatcher chick (nicknamed CJP for the letters on his/her tag).

Then Lindsay returned the chick to the parents...who didn't seem very concerned.

And here is CJP, none the worse for the wear.

Another highlight of the evening was finding some more brand new least tern chicks.

And, as always, the oystercatchers were doing their aerial song and dance 

while the tern and skimmer parents were bringing in fish for their chicks.

It Was A Busy Beach Morning.... Happy 4th!

Arrived at the beach at 7 a.m. to get a parking spot! 

It soon became obvious why we needed LOTS of Bird Steward volunteers today. I watched hundreds of people and too many boats head over to Masonboro Island. 

It was a good day to remember to "Share the Beach".

One of the highlights of the morning was watching four willet chicks by the shoreline.

Thanks to Kat's good eyes we saw several very new least tern chicks. I loved watching them hide under their parent's wings or find shelter in even the smallest shadow.

Look very closely to see two eyes peeking out at the bottom of this picture!

I headed home around noon, leaving the crowds returning from Masonboro Island and civilian firework displays to braver and heartier Bird Stewards.

What a difference a week makes!

Finally got back to the beach today and now I know why it kept raining...... the chicks absorbed all the water and are now HUGE.....

oystercatcher chick

skimmer chicks

Least tern chicks

There was a group (sometimes as many as ten) of oystercatchers repeatedly flying overhead. I love the sound they make when they are "buzzing" the beach.

I did see one small least tern chick.

It was good to be back.