December 2, 2007
Surprise Terns
This title is particularly apt given that one of the very first birds I saw on arrival on the island was not only a life bird, but probably also the first record for the island - a pair of Common White Terns. The pair was seen several times during the week, but no evidence of nesting was found.
Another species I didn't see last year was Fairy Tern. This single bird was a one-day wonder.
A group of beautiful Black-naped Terns was constantly hanging around the island.
Numbers of loafing Crested Terns seemed slightly up on last year too.
At least 2 pairs of Bridled Terns were hanging around in the central plain. One pair dive-bombed me, but I found no evidence of a nest.
It seems even the smaller species aren't immune to the attention of the abundant seabird ticks...
