Little Tern Birdlings Flat

[Stevex2]

A lone Little Tern associating with a large flock of white-fronted tern on the beach at Birdlings Flat, Canterbury, yesterday. The WFTs are very used to people, dogs, vehicles etc at this beach and the little tern took its cue from the bigger terns and was comparatively unfazed by the passing 'traffic" making it easier to observe.

[FraserGurney]

Present again this afternoon, on the edge of the WFT flock. Very approachable as Steve says

[NoahF]

Present yesterday afternoon at same spot, easy to distinguish in flight with its rapid flutter compared to White-fronted terns. Got quite close to the flock comfortably.

[gmckinlay]

It was there again this morning, although initially there seemed to be no terns on the beach. It did leave for a period.
Great to have such close view and to be able to contrast with the white-fronted.

Impressive gathering of spotted shags towards the east end of the beach. I would guess 2000+

[Jan]

The Banks Peninsula coast is a stronghold for Spotted Shags. They form great rafts on the water all along the Kaitorete beach, fishing with other species mixed in. Maybe such sights are not so impressive these days, but they rest on the beach in between feeding sessions.

[NoahF]

I noticed 500+ (probably more) spotted shags flying towards the peninsula from the south when at Birdlings Flat in the evening. Quite a sight to behold

[paradoxdinokipi]

Were they still in breeding plumage?

[RandF]

Little Tern still present at Birdlings today. Photos by my wife.

[RandF]

Thanks, difficult contrast on the shingle...

[tim]

Little Tern present again just after midday, lots of heat haze so it was lucky that it landed on the wet sand by the waves.