Sorry for the lack of updates in the last week, our blog has been offline whilst some essential maintenance was carried out. Now we're back though, let me tell you about an unexpected resident we have this winter, a Sandwich Tern! Eh?
Above: An overwintering Sandwich Tern! Photo taken from Farlington Marshes by Michael Johnstone.
In the summer months, Sandwich Terns are a common sight in Langstone and Chichester Harbours. On a good number of years they also breed here in dense localised colonies. However, we don't expect to see any in the winter! The reason for this is that they are a migratory species. Between October and March, these long distance flyers spend their time along the west coast of Africa between the Mediterranean to Cape Town, where food and warmth are plentiful.
Why this one particular Tern has decided not to go is a mystery. Hopefully the weather will stay relatively mild and it'll rejoin the flights of other Sandwich Terns as they begin to return in March. Until then, if you see what look's like a Sandwich Tern around the three harbour area, you might just be right!