Sunset during the evening perimeter walk
During our evening perimeter walk today, we spotted the first Common Tern egg of the season!
Common Tern egg
This little speckled beauty is about the size of a walnut and is amazingly well camouflaged. The creamy base color of the egg matches the minimalistic dry-grass nest perfectly, while the soft-toned speckles help it blend into the shadowy substrate. Tern eggs are predated by Herring Gulls, Black-backed Gulls, and Laughing Gulls, all of which frequent PMI, so this cryptic camouflage is critical to the survival of the little tern-to-be. Keep checking back for updates, because you know what comes after eggs……… chicks!
Common Tern preening
Very cool! Haven’t spotted one here yet but my eyes are peeled! Our Tern numbers doubled this morning, so expect another push in your direction. Glad Metinic isn’t having all the fun!
-Charlie