Black and Arctic Tern passage

[forktail]

There has been a large Arctic (c.200) and Black Tern (80+) passage off east Norfolk today. It was very annoying getting updates from the birder I often seawatch with while I was at work but managed a couple of hours this evening and saw good numbers of both, often in close proximity to each other and reasonably close in, and with the odd Common thrown in for good measure. Common Terns were very scarce during the main passage but numbers increased a little early evening.

I know they aren't 'rare' birds but passage events like this are rare and I find them incredibly exciting - the sight of flocks of Arctics puposefully heading past while Black Terns jink around over the waves is a fantastic sight. Did anyone else manage to catch any of the coastal movements?

F.

[Ben Miller]

Hi Tim,

Can't share any coastal excitment, however we've had an excellent day of inland passage through Bucks today, including no less than SEVEN Little Terns (including four together at one point at Willen), plus 40+ Black Terns at three sites.

Only a report of two possible Arctic Terns, though.

Fingers crossed for more in the morning. Hope all's well in aPalling.

Cheers,

Ben

[forktail]

Hi Tim,

Fingers crossed for more in the morning. Hope all's well in aPalling.

Cheers,

Ben

Hi Ben,

final total of Black Terns was 120+ for the day and a much larger number of Arctics that I'm still collating.

the next two days saw much smaller numbers

enjoying fatherhood, all the best to you and Si.

F.