Dalkey Tern Colony Mid-Season Update

 We had our first ringing session 21^st June on Maidens’ Rock. Steve, Brian and Niamh all joined to help me out. We ringed 11 chicks with 2 others too small just yet. I think we might have missed 6 others which had already hatched but with so many nooks and crannies to hide in it is hard to tell. There are also Oystercatcher chicks around but they need to grow a bit before they are big enough to ring, usually they are much faster than tern wardens at that stage!

Steve, Niamh and myself ringing chicks under NPWS license on Maidens' Rock. Photo: Brian Burke

A confused Arctic Tern chick, just ringed (and photographed!) under NPWS license. Photo: Brian Burke

There has been an influx of new nests on Maidens’ rock but unfortunately this is likely due to the Lamb colony collapse over the weekend of 10^th/11^th June where there were at least 90 pairs. The Maidens’ colony has grown from about 30 pairs to approximately 90, it is impossible to tell for sure due to relaying of original pairs and continual relaying of new pairs due to predation or weather effects.

Very well camouflaged Oystercatcher chicks. Photo taken under NPWS license by Andrew Butler.

I do regular visits throughout the season to track the progress of the colony and hopefully get some Roseate Terns nesting too.

As always, Johnny gets us on and the islands safe and dry. Thanks Johnny! 

 

Events

The Dalkey Tern Watch is running every Tuesday Evening 5-8pm until the end of July at Coliemore Harbour as well as Weekend events. During July the South Dublin BirdWatch Ireland branch also run the event from 6:30-8pm, they have been doing so for many years.

The next events are this weekend, Sunday 2^nd, 11am-1pm. I’ll be running the Tern Watch as normal and then 2:30, 3:30 & 4:30pm I will be running 45 min guided walks on Dalkey Island. You need to make your own way to the Island (ferry), meeting at the pier on the Island. The event is weather/boat dependant.

The species list from our watch event on Tue 23rd May.

All events will be advertised on: http://events.dlrcoco.ie/https://www.facebook.com/BirdWatchIreland/https://twitter.com/BirdWatchIEAnd locally in Dalkey town centre.