Medway islands WeBS 7/07/23

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A very warm day for the boat trip, and fairly calm. The boat left Chatham Maritime with the usual crew at 14:15, high tide being relatively late in the day.

The island where Sandwich Tern usually breed was now very quiet though there may have been the odd pair feeding young out of view, since adults were seen carrying fish.

The Little Tern colony was now also much quieter, though adults could still be seen on the beach plus a small number of fully fledged young birds.

In contrast other islands were still fairly busy, with Common Terns feeding young, and an unexpected small colony of Sandwich Terns, perhaps late breeders. Nearby an absolute brute of a Great Black-backed Gull appeared to gave fledged offspring, though it was unclear whether three young birds together were all from this parent. One of the youngsters was noticeably more bulky, with a very thick-set head. However, it was unclear what species the smaller birds were if not GBB Gull. 

The finale of the trip was observing a large breeding colony of Mediterranean Gulls, with many youngsters present.

There was no sign of Avian Influenza on this trip (i.e) dead birds unlike the dreadful situation in other parts of the country.

Adult Little Tern

Juvenile Little Terns

Little Tern and Ringed Plover 

Common Tern adult with young

Common Terns

Sandwich Terns

Adult Great Black-backed Gull 

Three young gulls

Three young gulls after one bird separated

Mediterranean Gulls 

As above

Buzzards



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