Update on skimmers, terns, and oystercatchers plus a surprise appearance by a common loon....

Every day watching the nesting area is full of surprises. The oystercatchers continue to teach their chicks to find food in the sand and at the water's edge. I love their eyes!

The skimmers take turns lying flat in the sand and skimming along the water. I watched one chick hit the string while flying and another end up falling into the water while trying to skim

There are still several week old least tern chicks around.

In this strand of greens there are 6-8 small least tern chicks. Can you find them?

This common loon was a surprise visitor.

Kids, Skimmers, Green Herons, and More

There was a great group of about 20 members of a 4H Science Camp at the colony today!

This picture serves as a reminder for us to pick up any fishing line we find on the beach.

It was HOT today and this tern is shading an egg.

Skimmers continue to grow and are flying with increasing skill.

Everyone who has been to the colony will recognize these moments.

And on the way off the beach a green heron stood guard.

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.