The Aftermath of Arthur (all good news)

Although Tropical Storm/Hurricane Arthur brought pounding surf, high winds, and some torrential rains, the nesting colony at the south end of Wrightsville Beach survived!  When several dedicated bird stewards arrived early Friday morning to access the damage only two posts needed to be replaced and all of the strings remained in place. These minor problems were quickly repaired and the Friday morning Bird Walk was held on schedule.

Although the 4th of July crowds began arriving en mass to head over to Masonboro Island our chicks/ fledglings remained undaunted. The only new challenge facing the shorebirds seemed to be coping with some small "cliffs" along the surf line.

Common tern fledglings learning to scale the new "cliffs"...

No 4th of July hot dog for this common tern.

Adult and fledgling common tern...

Common tern fledgling at the water's edge....

Common tern fledglings almost ready to catch their own fish.

Adult common tern and the "three amigos"

Skimmers over the sound...

Before the Storm

I was at the nesting colony late yesterday afternoon checking on how "prepared" our chicks were for the challenging weather conditions they are facing today as Tropical Storm/Hurricane Arthur approaches. I think our postings are in for some pounding but am optimistic that our chicks are getting stronger each day and will be able to find a safe place to ride out the wind, rain, and rising tides.

Here's what I saw....

Black Skimmers

Yep, those are feathers..... not fluffy chick fuzz!

Lunch!

When it's hot outside, it's time for a nap.

Chick imitating naptime

Thanks, mom!

Maybe if I get a running start.....

One of these times these wings are going to lift me up!

Common Terns

These are the "three amigos" who have been hanging out by the edge of the dune for several weeks.

Time to feed the chicks

Look at me... I'm turning into an adult!

I'm not sure who's looking at whom in this shot.

Those wings are ready to be used for more than stretching.

The "three amigos" learning to fly.

A great comparison of chick and adult

Common tern chicks are frequently seen at the water's edge

Tomorrow morning we"ll be at the gazebo for our Friday morning bird walk. 

Keeping our fingers crossed!

June 27/ Bird Walk and More

The Wrightsville Beach Bird Stewards have been enjoying some "quieter" days at the nesting colony before gearing up for the rapidly approaching Fourth of July weekend.  It seems that every trip to the south end leaves the visitor with a sense of being a part of a magical experience (whether you are there for several hours or just a quick visit before the dark clouds and thunder chase you away).

Here are some highlights....

Black Skimmers

It is becoming easier each day to find new chicks on the beach.

The chicks ususally have their mouths open, ready for a meal.

It was hot that day!

Can you find all three chicks?

Already the fluffy "down" is turning into real feathers.

I do believe both feet are off the ground. Next time we may have "lift off". Notice the band on this chick. Lindsay, Marlene, Harvey, Sherry and Sharna banded 30 chicks Tuesday. It was a great team effort to find them, band them, and then return the chicks to their nests and hiding places. 

 

The chicks take refuge under a parent when it is hot.

This is somewhere between a "baby chick" and a "teenager".

These "teenage skimmers" have already learned to create shady timeout spots.

Common Terns

There are three common tern chicks (rapidly becoming teenagers) who are readily visible in the front of the colony. The parents are starting to make them run around and chase them when a fish is brought in. Several times we have seen a common tern chick stretch its wings. There are still some common terns sitting on nests so as our teenage chicks fledge there should be some new babies emerging in the next few days.

Marlene took these shots through her scope yesterday. 

So it is official.... The common tern chicks have "left the nest".

American Oystercatchers

The newly banded oystercatcher chick (aka CKK) has been venturing to the water's edge and learning to find its own food. One day he/she took a quick bath.

"Other" Bird Appearances

Although the nesting shore birds are the focus there have been several guest appearances....

Willet

Green Heron

Cooper's Hawk

Friday Bird Walks

If you haven't had a chance to join one of our Friday Bird Walks, 

please do (and bring your friends)!

 Here are the Bird Stewards at last Friday's Bird Walk!

Marlene uses "homemade" chicks to demonstrate the nesting behaviors.

And one of our newest Bird Stewards, Bonnie-Jeanne, took these two photos recently. This is just a sample of her photographic skill! We look forward to more!

 Look how well hidden this chick is!
What a good reminder to honor the postings.

Our oystercatcher chick, CKK, almost takes to the sky... only one "toe" on the ground!