The little tern breeding season has finally finished in Langstone Harbour. The island beaches that were once rich with the sound of seabirds have now fallen silent whilst small strands of horned poppies blow lonely in the wind. After the riotous noise of June and early July, late summer here can sometimes feel like it's missing something..but not this year. This year, there are newly fledged little terns gathered along the tide line in groups of 3, 5, 8, even 15. Occasionally they rise in the air and spend an hour or two pulling small fish from the harbour and giving out a high pitched 'pheeeeeeee' that communicates a delight in their new found mastery of flight. This is a successful year for them and it's been a long time coming. Now, with each tide that passes the numbers diminish as they begin their long journey to the African west coast. Soon they'll be dipping into very different seas and continuing to mature, ready one day to return to us and continue their presence in the Solent.
Above: "Pheeeee!"; Little Tern fledgling in Langstone Harbour 2014 (Photo by Mark Breaks).
This year has been a good one for little terns in Langstone Harbour. After failure upon failure this decade and with dwindling numbers of returning adults, this season had to see a new generation raised if there was to be hope for the future. I'm extremely happy and relieved to say that as of 2014, the cycle has been broken and the Langstone Harbour Little Tern colony have successfully fledged at least 28 young.
In 1989 there were 171 pairs of little terns recorded as breeding in Langstone Harbour, a number that has gradually been falling ever since as (mostly human originated) problems beset the colony year after year. By 2014 we have reached a low ebb and only 32 pairs of little terns came to the harbour to breed (the third lowest number ever recorded). It's against this backdrop that this years success can really be appreciated.
Success in breeding birds is measured by 'productivity', essentially this is a figure which tells you how many young fledged for each pair of birds (for example, a productivity of 0.5 would show that for each 2 pairs, 1 chick was fledged). For a little tern colony to be self sustaining, a productivity of 0.75 per year or higher is currently thought to be needed. This year, the Langstone Harbour little tern productivity was 0.88 (our 4th highest since records began) and giving us a clear indication that all the hard work is finally paying off.
Above: Go forth and multiply! Little Tern chicks in Langstone Harbour 2014 (Photo by Dawn Thompson).
Unlike previous years, we didn't lose any little tern nests to the sea in 2014. The work that's taken place over the last two years to recharge the nesting habitat on the islands has dramatically changed the former deteriorated situation. Now, where once a small increase in tidal height could threaten the whole colony, there is adequate safe and desirable nesting territory above the reaches of the summer tides. Likewise, there was a marked decrease in disturbance caused by other harbour users. Every single one of you who gave them a little extra space this year or asked your friends to do the same deserves thanks. As a result of your courtesy, the parents were able to spend more time than ever keeping eggs warm, searching for food and bringing it in to hungry young mouths. Thank you everyone. Also, unlike previous years, we had no incidents of people actively breaking the law and damaging the colony during the breeding season (phew!)
Above: Thanks for giving them a little extra space when they most needed it this year (Video from RSPB Langstone Harbour nest camera in 2014).
Fish stocks remain a worry with a decreased number of smaller fish being observed in the harbour this year. Current video evidence showed that when parents located a fish source, there were periods of quick and plentiful feeding activity which were enough to keep chicks well fed. Further decreases remain a potential problem however and we'll be watching very closely in the years ahead.
Although predation was an issue, the measures that we've taken are now bearing dividends. Both avian and fox predation was recorded during the season but to a lesser degree than in previous years. It's especially noted that there wasn't a single incident of a fox taking eggs or young within the electrified fencing that was set up. Along with the new continual monitoring by camera (which will be extended next year), it's hoped that disturbance events like these can gradually be bought more fully under control (and where not possible to change, at least learnt from).
Put simply, the strategies we've put in place over recent years are working, although some tweaks can be made before next year to improve things further. The key now is consistently delivering sustainable productivity levels. At present, due to the funding over the last few years from Interreg IVA PANACHE (Protected area network across the channel ecosystem), the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Veolia Environmental Trust, The Torrs Charitable Trust’ and the Hildon Foundation along with the effort of many people, the Langstone Harbour little tern colony is in as good a position to do this as it can be.
It’s a long road ahead but this is the result we needed and one we can hopefully build on.
Above: See you next year! Adult Little Tern with fish (Photo by Mark Breaks).
With the end of the little tern season, the remaining action is taking place at the Hayling Island Oysterbeds. At present, there are Common Terns currently sat incubating eggs and hopefully, we'll have some tiny chicks running around and enjoying the weather for some time yet. Feel free to come down and take a look as here they can easily be seen without disturbing them (especially through one of our volunteers telescopes!).
However you intend to enjoy the next few weeks of summer, take a hearty thanks from me and know that your support has made a big difference. Whether you've actively helped the RSPB by volunteering, joining, donating or simply made yourself aware of where not to step or sail, I'm extremely thankful to you and although they are oblivious to the fact, there are 28 young little terns who would be too!
Obviously no point visiting Langstone Harbour for ten months of the year, judging by the blog nothing happens except during June/July.