Read on Twitter
It feels like a long time ago, but the end of the official 2020 Little Tern season here at Spurn was only three weeks ago! How did the Little Terns get on?
Pretty well this year, thankfully...
(/thread).
Pretty well this year, thankfully...
(/thread).
When the pandemic crisis began, the Project was shut down. Letters were sent out to the wardens – who had only just been appointed – cancelling their contracts; likewise, volunteers were contacted to explain that it seemed very unlikely that the Project would run this year.
Thankfully we were able to mount a skeleton operation after about a month with the reappointed wardens Jacob & Mick & Observatory staff, to began our 24/7 coverage at the usual time. We took advice from DeFRA & the RSPB to ensure proper health and safety protocols were observed.
We were initially unable to provide accommodation for our usual summer volunteers from outside the area, so locals rallied to the cause, with spring residential volunteer Dylan & later, autumn residential volunteers Luke and Toby stepping into the breach. Huge thanks to everyone.
Other thanks must go to Mike Coverdale & Rob Adams who, behind the scenes, allowed the project to get off the ground. Adam Stoyle from @YorksWildlife provided invaluable transportation for all equipment & battery changes, thanks to Mike Pilsworth, @westmerefarm & Nick Dyer also
The season was not without its challenges (a few typical ones pictured below) and just highlights the threats these fragile colonies face. But with some hard work, we were rewarded with a breeding season as successful as last year‘s.
In the end, 27 pairs produced 42 chicks, giving us a productivity rate of 1.56 – exactly the same as last year! Ringed Plovers and Oystercatchers were also successful. Thanks to efforts of the Obs warden and visiting ringers, some of the terns chicks were colour-ringed
All in all, a great season with a strange start and some very long hours for the wardens involved, but worth it for the results. We wish the Little Terns a safe winter, fishing off West Africa, and hope our 2021 nesting season runs smooth and productively...time will tell!
