On Sunday 16th, my Dad and I went for a walk at Crimdon Dene, a special section of the Durham/Cleveland coast which has a nesting colony of Little Terns. As you walk down the path to the beach area, your eyes only see the vast seascape and fenced-off area on the beach - no birds. Walking on further and a check through binoculars you see the small Terns flying in and out in a frenzy of activity. The fragility of this area is all to apparent and previous years both natural and unnatural influences have meant an uncertain breeding success rate for this species.
Visiting this site for a quick year tick on a bird list doesn't feel right and as in previous years sitting down and taking in this special site is a must regardless whether you are a seasoned professional birdwatcher or a beginner. Take the time and watch the world go by. The Little Terns with their beautiful plumage anchored down in a hollow in amongst the pebbles and rocks waiting for a partner to drop by with a fish. Also present were Ringed Plovers and occasionally Linnets dropped into collect extra nesting material and food. Whilst walking back to the car a Silver-ground Carpet was seen in the grass. Common Whitethroats were also busy collecting food.
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