Tuesday 10 August 2010

First summer Terns

First-summer Common and Little Terns do not breed. Most birds remain in their African wintering grounds, but few return to the northern hemisphere, and spend the summer around the breeding colonies. Last night I caught some 1st-summer Common and Little Terns at Atlit. In total, this summer, out of 117 Common Terns and 114 Little Terns ringed, only two Common Terns and one Little Tern were first-summers. In addition I ringed a Little Ringed Plover and a White-winged Tern.

1st summer Common Tern

Juvenile Little Ringed Plover

Juvenile White-winged Tern