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| Photo by Evan Mauk |
Lindsay Addison, our Audubon NC Coastal Biologist, did a nest check on the south end yesterday morning (Friday 4/28) and we now officially have SCRAPES WITH EGGS, i.e., NESTS!! Lindsay discovered both Black Skimmer nests and Oystercatcher nests!We have been witnessing courtship behaviors all week and have had a number of photographers already visiting the nesting colony. The Black Skimmers and Common Terns have been busy with pair bonding, fish presentations and mating.
AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHERS – Both pairs of Oystercatchers have nests! Oystercatcher banded EMY and mate who are seen on the inlet side have now nested. EMY is the adult Oystercatcher that had a successful fledging in 2021. The nest is in the interior of the posting on the inlet side
Oystercatcher pair banded CT4 and CFO have been seen ocean side and their nest is in front of the tallest dunes and relatively close to the Black Skimmers. We have not had an Oystercatcher nest visible from outside of the posting for many years so this is very exciting.
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| Photo by Evan Mauk |
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Photo by Evan Mauk
Look closely and you will see a transmitter on the back of this Oystercatcher.
NC Audubon in partnership with others is conducting a movement research project on American Oystercatchers in NC.
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On Friday (4/28) afternoon and 5 Oystercatchers were seen in the posting …so there is a possibility of another pair claiming a territory in the posted area. We have plenty of room for a few more pairs of Oystercatchers!
BLACK SKIMMERS – Black Skimmers have been arriving in groups since mid April. We try to count them, but it is extremely difficult when they are paired up in the vegetation! When they are by the water it is possible at that time to see if any birds have bands on their legs.
These next photos show two skimmers with bands…P3 and R9! Our Skimmer chicks from the past few years are returning!
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| Photo by Hongjin Bian |
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| Photo by Hongjin Bian |
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| Photo by Hongjin Bian |
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| Photo by Hongjin Bian |
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| Photo by Hongjin Bian |
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| Photo by Evan Mauk |
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| Photo by Evan Mauk |
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Photo by Evan Mauk
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COMMON TERNS – Six pairs of Common Terns were on the beach Friday, 4/28. Pair bonding and mating continues and it appears incubation of eggs is underway!
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| Photo by Evan Mauk |
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| Photo by Evan Mauk |
LEAST TERNS – We continue to see a handful of Least Terns fishing and flying overhead, but have not seen any in the nested area this week.
PUBLIC BIRD WALKS START MONDAY –
Free bird walks to the south end nesting area for the public every Monday at 9 AM beginning, this Monday, May 1 until mid-August. Join us! Invite your friends & family!! We will meet at the gazebo at Beach Access 43.
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