The entrance to the River Tees in North-East England is surrounded by petro-chemical and other heavy industries. Yet in this same location, Teesmouth National Nature Reserve is a relatively safe haven for many seabirds. This was August Bank Holiday as can be seen from the heavy grey sky and drizzle passing through from time to time. Along the river mouth were many young Common and Sandwich Terns being fed by their parents. The presence of so many terns carrying fish has attracted a number of Arctic Skuas into the river, in pursuit of the terns. Again, apologies for the lack of light which has played havoc with many of the images. The first skua seen was this young Arctic, an intermediate phase between a pale and dark form. A very dark Arctic Skua was then seen well out in the river before turning back across the beach. Although like us, there were many dog-walkers out, the Skuas had no hesitation in roaring across the beach at low level, in pursuit of a Tern. A beautiful light form bird was at the seaward end and soon connected with a Sandwich Tern. You may just see the fish dropped by the Tern, before the Skua obtains its meal. The Arctic Skuas were covering the whole area and sometimes I was caught at the last moment by one flying overhead. The 'intermediate' Arctic in a great sequence. Another fish given up! A second Summer bird with dark throat patch and barring on the underwings. An hour and a half's delay on the motorway coming up to Tees-side had shortened our visit considerably. Between watching Skuas, it was obvious many birds were around the river.
Flocks of young Guillemots were inside the river, together with Gulls and Cormorants. The shore had the resting Terns, Curlew, Whimbrel, Ringed Plover and Oystercatcher. Definitely an area to spend more time in and only a couple of hours up the coast (on a good day!) Comments are closed.
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