After all the recent work on Tern Island it was hoped that there would be lots of little pattering of tiny feet and so it starts. over 450 pairs of Black headed Gull have made their home on the island this year, a record again!!!, and now there are a whole load more with the gulls starting to hatch.
the gulls inside the new fence
home is set up and the new arrival
As the gulls are now in full home making mode the other summer residents are also in the amorous mood. Sandwich, Common and Little Tern have all returned for another year. The use of Trail cameras (under special License) have allowed the monitoring of the colony without disturbing the birds whilst also obtaining important information particular regarding the types of food the male is bringing in to the nest.
a gentile moment caught of one of the trail cameras
But do not forget to look down at the smaller things around the reserve you may be pleasantly surprised.
Alabonia geoffrella
The Warden, RSPB Crook of Baldoon