Fantastic news for us as our single pair of nesting terns have fledged a chick :)
This may not sound that impressive to all of you that have visited the northeast and other tern strongholds but it is only our 2nd ever nest and perhaps more importantly the very 1st time they have fledged, a small step in the right direction for a bird that is increasingly struggling in the northern parts of its range.
And perhaps even more impressive is the sight of a second pair ... what are they up to then?
In stark contrast, until recently the estuary held the second largest colony of common terns in the country which, for some reason have up and left the particular non-RSPB, privately managed site???
If its terns you like (and I do) then now is your chance to see a thousand of them feasting on the outer estuary, in particular at the Point of Ayr on Saturday 4th August (www.rspb.org.uk/pointofayr) we are taking a guided walk to showcase the "swallows of the sea" and show you first hand how important our estuaries and coastal waters are.
So book now to guarantee your place by phoning 0151 353 8478.
Other recent sightings: black-tailed godwit x500, green sandpiper, common sandpiper, little egret x70 nests, 3 pairs of oystercatcher feeding young, spotted flycatcher, kingfisher, hobby.
Even better news is that we saw 3 juvenile common terns last night!