Oysterbeds 2011 - Images 19 May

PeterD-2009PeterD-2009 Registered Users Posts: 618 Major grins
edited May 27, 2011 in Wildlife
Exciting times at the Oysterbed lagoon, about 80 common Tern are on the island together with the usual large number of Black-headed Gulls. A surprise this year is the arrival of nesting Sandwich Tern. These normally go on the RSPB islands but 10 are on north island at marker O.

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These Tern have black beaks, are larger than the Common or Little Tern and have a black mop-like head. You should be able to spot them in the above images.

I have noticed that numbers of Oystercatchers are also landing on the islands. Last year we had one pair that was successful in rearing two chicks. Another two pairs unfortunately failed. It will be interesting to see what happens this year.

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The Black-headed gulls build nests with material picked up from the beach. Some nests are rather grand.......

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and others are very spartan.

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Look carefully at the vegetation (top left) and you will see one of the Black-headed Gull chicks using it as a hide.

The Common Tern are putting on their usual aerobatic displays.

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Always worth watching.

Meanwhile, on the Hayling Billy Trail I came across a Blackcap male....

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a Greenfinch....

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a Dunnock....

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and the Little Owl. Unfortunately, it was in deep shade and I was unable to get a good shot.

Hope you like these and have a great week:thumb

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