More on Bats very soon, as I've been having a great few nights of Batwatching. But for now, a brief post about one of our rarest birds, the Little Tern. I think we've all got a soft spot for Terns - they are truly mighty little birds, and although the Little Tern's migratory journey may not rival that of the Common Tern, flying between the West Coast of Africa and the Irish coast every year is still a very impressive haul. Terns are a reminder that good weather is on the horizon and seeing them lifts my spirits in the same way as when I see a Swallow or a Swift return. We have 5 species in Ireland; the Sanwich, Roseate, Common, Arctic and Little Tern, and if you would like to see one, head down to Howth or Dun Laoghaire Piers and take a stroll.
There are only 200 pairs of nesting Little Terns in Ireland, so thankfully their largest colony in Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow, has a very dedicated conservation project set up to care for them. The "Kilcoole Little Tern Conservation Group" can be found here:
http://littletern.webs.com/littleterns.htm
Unforunately our increased use of beaches can have an effect on the nesting habits of these little travellers. The same goes for many other coastal birds such as the Ringed Plover. So always keep your eye out when your are on a beach this summer - you might have a guest nearby.
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