Terns over Devereux slough; terns at Sands; terns were quite a presence at Coal Oil Point Reserve yesterday. Despite low water levels at Devereux, until the rain of a week or so ago, fish must not be scarce.

One could hardly fail to notice the energetic wings beating in characteristic tern rhythm in the sky, swooping and swerving to shallow-dive or skim to scoop up fish from the water. All punctuated with short, sharp, high-pitched calls. Sands Beach is their outdoor accommodation, where any disturbance can fill the sky with white wings against a backdrop of crashing surf and overcast sky.

Pelicans, egrets, cormorants, plovers, and other shorebirds were present in this bustling, full-of-life scene at Sands. What a mesmerizing afternoon. Kudos to all who have worked to preserve this wonderful place and its ever-growing number of different species.

(Coal Oil Point – Sands Beach – Terns with pelicans and cormorants)

(Coal Oil Point – Sands Beach – Terns disturbed)

(Coal Oil Point – Sands Beach – Elegant Terns bathing)

(Coal Oil Point – Devereux Slough – Snowy Egrets)

Slideshow

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