Nesting Little Terns in Norfolk

Above: Although a Little Tern’s nest is little more than a scrape, care and attention goes into the precise site selection, and the decision appears to be a joint one. Photo ©Theodore de Clermont/Norfolk Wildlife Trust

Birds on the Brink is proud to be partnering with the Norfolk Wildlife Trust to help beleaguered Little Terns in their attempts to nest on the north Norfolk coast.

Above: A Little Tern pair displaying on a north Norfolk beach prior to settling down to the business of nesting. Photo ©Theodore de Clermont/Norfolk Wildlife Trust

Little Terns nest on bare ground close to the sea. Banks of shingle and sand above the high tide line and at the base of sand dunes are ideal. Where these are located on the mainland, they are vulnerable to predation by native mammalian predators including foxes. They are also just the sort of locations that holidaymakers head for in late spring, and are often visited by dog-walkers too.

Above: Oystercatchers are vigilant parents and look after their growing chicks. Photo ©Theodore de Clermont/Norfolk Wildlife Trust

The funding has helped put in place vitally-needed electric fencing which helps secure an area of prime real estate for nesting birds, Little Terns in particular. The fencing will deter predators and all being well minimise or eliminate human disturbance too. A warden and volunteers will be on site throughout nesting seasons, keeping an eye on things and informing the public about the project.

Above: Ringed Plovers displaying prior to nesting on the north Norfolk coast. Photo ©Theodore de Clermont/Norfolk Wildlife Trust

Other nesting species to benefit from the project are likely to be Oystercatchers and Ringed Plovers.

Above: The eggs of coastal-nesting birds have evolved to be camouflaged on shingle, gravel and sand, making them almost impossible for the casual observer, or beach-goer, to spot. From left to right these are: Little Tern, Oystercatcher and Ringed Plover. ©Paul Sterry/Nature Photographers Ltd

Above: A Little Tern nesting on the strandline of a sandy beach - a vulnerable location at the best of times. Photo ©Dr Mark Bolton/Nature Photographers Ltd