As May proceeds the migration period draws to a close and the birds settle down to the business of breeding and producing the next generation. Tern Island is alive with the clammer of the Black-Headed Gull colony. Intermingled with the gulls are the Terns, Little, Common and Sandwich all displaying and mating.
However, the migration is not totally over with a second wave of migrants this week with good numbers of Spotted Flycatcher, Whinchat and Wheatear all moving through during the middle of the week. Down on the shore a few waders continue to fuel up on the bounty of the sea with Dunlin, Ringed Plover and Sanderling all supporting their summer dress. Taking advantage of this was the local Peregrine who regularly patrols the harbour looking for its next meal.
Some surprises are can still be observed over this period such as a Glossy Ibis drifting high over the harbour and a short stay of a Great White Egret. Other late migrants this week included a Redstart, a couple of Garganey and Common Sandpiper.
The Warden, RSPB Crook of Baldoon