Psilos Bird Journal
Monday June 23rd 2008
     
"On a wing and a prayer"
 
The weather has been dreadful this last few days so now the sun is trying to put in an appearance it is time to go and see how the Common tern chicks are fairing. They take about three weeks to fledge and they must be ready any day now I reckon. There is plenty of activity around the raft today and it is good to see there are at least half a dozen healthy chicks. Most look like they will be fledging in the next couple of days.
     

     
One other good discovery is a pair of Mute swans on the back lake. There hasnt been swans breeding on here for two years. One bird has a cheshire ring on. I dont know whether these birds have been introduced or not but they dont look like full breeding adults to me. We shall have to see. Anyway one of them became curious as I arrived and came over to say hello.


Lots of aerial activity from the terns but sadly not in the place I want them. From the place I stand the sun is towards me facing the raft. I need birds flying by from the other side and today they do not want to cooperate.
 
 
As usual the terns when returning with a fish seemed not to know who to give the fish to and can often sit there for minutes at a time just holding it. Then they set off again out over the water, dipping and presumably washing the fish befor returning with it to the raft once more. Sometimes their dipping gets so carried away that they drop and lose it.
 
 
As I sat watching the raft I noticed a pair of Great crested grebes fishing nearby. There are three pairs on the lodge and they all rigidly stick to their little territories. This pair live around the immediate vacinity of the raft and sadly were not successful with any chicks this year. As I sat so still they came very close to me indeed, quietly fishing. I think they must recognise me for they come quite close now and dont seem to mind my presence at all.
As I wasnt getting anywhere photographing the terns in flight I thought I would h ave a go at the swifts in flight instead. Sometimes they swoop down really close and I fancied a challenge. Sadly though my camera is not firing as smoothly as it should nor I think focusing so well. I might have to get it checked out sometime soon. Anyway still managed to get one shot that I was pleased with. Still alittle far but definitely getting better.