Recent Wildlife Sightings 8th - 14th June
Highlights: Caspian Tern, Sandwich Tern, Great White Egret, Mediterranean Gull
After a lull in bird activity once most migratory species had passed through our site this spring, the centre had an eventful week, with some uncommon visitors to our reserve being joined by rarities that brought in birders from far and wide.
Highlights: Caspian Tern, Sandwich Tern, Great White Egret, Mediterranean Gull
On Wednesday morning, there was a flurry of excitement in British Steel Hide when a Caspian Tern was spotted in the shallow water of Saline Lagoon. As the world's largest species of Tern, it was rather conspicuous amongst the Black-Headed Gull; its chunky bright red bill (which many have likened to a carrot!) also helped it stand out. The excitement grew further when a second bird appeared in the afternoon. On average, there are only about five of these spotted in the UK each year, so to have two of them at once on our site is very special. Since Wednesday, the two Caspian Tern have been very confiding for the crowds of birders that have been visiting us to catch a glimpse of these rare birds. Although making the occasional fishing trip out to the estuary, the pair have spent most of their time resting in the shallow water - almost as if they know they are the star of a photoshoot!
On Friday morning, we had a bit of a Tern-fest, with the Caspian Tern joined by a single Sandwich Tern. The shaggy crest atop its head and black beak with a yellow tip were very visible where this bird was standing, making it easy to identify. Tern species are uncommon on our site, despite many Sandwich Tern and Common Tern being seen on passage only a few miles down the Burry Inlet, so to have two species here at the same time was a surprise. This bird was just stopping off to rest, with it seen flying up the estuary shortly after it arrived.
The lower water level on Saline Lagoon due to the limited rainfall recently appears to have brought in some other scarce visitors to our site. Not too far from the Caspian Tern were two Great White Egret, one in its immature plumage with distinctive yellow beak, and the other with a contrasting black beak in its breeding plumage. They spent most of the day fishing in the shallow water, much less gregariously than their Little Egret cousins, though with much greater precision and elegance.
Adding to the array of interesting birds were a couple of Mediterranean Gull, one of which was in its full summer plumage with jet-black head and blood-red beak - a very similar colour palette to the Caspian Tern it was standing next to. Increasing in numbers in the UK in recent years, this species has even attempted to breed on our site before. Unfortunately, their nest fell victim to a Fox, but we hope they may return now we have a Fox deterrent barrier around the stone islands on Deep Water Lake.
Featured Photo Credit: Ruth Jones
