At around mid April, we had a keen eye on the migration reports from Portland Bird Observatory and other southern locations as they confirmed that Common Terns were beginning to arrive in the UK, back with us after a long journey from their winter quarters in south and west Africa.
At Paxton Pits we were getting ready to launch the four tern rafts after they had been grounded for cleaning and refurbishment, and sure enough we were just in time. On the 17th April at 10am we launched and anchored the rafts on Heron Lake North. By 10.05am the first tern had settled to check them out, and by 10.06 more had arrived.
Paxton Pits volunteer Janet had a front row seat:
“It was a real treat being out on the water. As we approached the buoys with the first raft in tow, a very brave black-headed gull stood defiantly until we were a few feet away and then it gave up and flew.
“The Terns were not only quick to land on the rafts but they were also doing that synchronised walk that they do and presenting fish to each other.”
Exciting times now lie ahead watching nature in the fast lane at Paxton Pits Nature Reserve, as the terns pair up, lay and incubate their eggs, feed the chicks, give flying lessons and then depart in late summer all the way back to Africa.
The Kingfisher Lottery Club has financed three of the rafts and one has been paid for by donations received by the friends. We are very grateful for all of your continued support as we look after these beautiful birds through their breeding season.
This is an excellent time to renew your Kingfisher Lottery Club membership. The joining form can be downloaded here, is also available at the Visitor Centre. Failing all else, do phone the promoter who will be pleased to send you the form (Martin Runchman 01767 690093).
Joining the lottery club means that we can continue to create further projects to help wildlife together.