Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Oystercatcher, Least Tern, Skimmer Chicks.... and a Beach Rescue

American Oystercatcher Chicks
Our oystercatcher chicks are growing up very quickly. The picture on the right was taken 6/4 and the one of the left was taken 6/17. Already the fluff is turning into feathers.
Least Tern Chicks
On these hot days look for the least tern chicks in any shade available. Some take refuge near the decoys, others in the grasses or any small pile of debris.


Black Skimmer Chicks
Each day new Black Skimmer chicks can be seen. They are still staying close to their parents.

Beach Rescue
Walking the beach early this morning I found a least tern chick that was trapped in a rut left by tire tracks. Perhaps the chick was in the rut seeking shade or just fell in and couldn't get out. Look closely at these pictures.  In the top two the chick (about a week old) is barely visible. Then in the close up you can see how the chick is camouflaged in the sand. I picked up the least tern chick (a very new experience for me) and gently put him back right inside the postings. The speed with which he took off reassured me that there were no permanent injuries.
So please look carefully when you're on the beach!

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