An Arctic Tern colony
There’s an Arctic Tern colony on Westray which is next to a road with a couple of parking spaces. It’s possible to drive, park, and watch all the excitement from the comfort of your own car. I’ve got a little van, so I can even have fresh coffee while I watch.
Arctic Terns nest on the beach, which is next to the road. I can put my waterproofs on and lie down using the car as cover, or inch forward and use a nearby boat as cover, and not disturb the birds at all.
It’s great to see them acting naturally and gain an insight into their complex social behaviour. They parade their fish as they fly up and down the beach, often being mobbed by other members of the colony. They land and shake their heads, still holding a fish in their beaks. They attempt to feed chicks which aren’t their own if their own attempt at breeding has failed.
I admire their hardiness and tenacity.
More Arctic Terns
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As cool as the Arctic The Arctic Terns on Westray are a curious bunch. If you start to care about them it can be an… read more
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