A blog about little terns? In January?
Yes, because while the little terns are feasting and frolicking under African skies, we've had some interesting news from the BTO. Back in June, the body of a dead little tern was found washed up at Benacre Broad in Suffolk. The bird had a ring on its leg – number NV82475.
The BTO have now traced that number back to June 1995, when a one-day old little tern was ringed at the RSPB-protected North Denes colony in Great Yarmouth. That makes this particular bird just a few days shy of 18 years old when it died – the oldest little tern the BTO have ever ringed!
It's amazing to think that for 18 years this tenacious little seabird – weighing little more than an apple – has made its way from Norfolk to Africa and back every year. When the little terns return to the Norfolk coast this summer, I wonder how many of them will be the children, grandchildren, or great- great- great- great-....grandchildren of this hardy little soul.
Image: little tern and eggs by Chris Gomersall
That is an amazing story, i wonder how many miles it has flown during its years.