Tuesday 26th May 2026: Long Nanny

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 We arrived at Long Nanny late morning, and after depositing Kayte, Michael and a bucket and spade at the beach, we set off with Emilie to walk through the sand dunes to visit the colony of Arctic Terns. We spotted a few birds on the way, including a Kestrel, our first and only Northumberland raptor to date, Stonechats and great views of a Skylark and Meadow Pipit. 

Skylark

Arriving at the viewpoint, there were plenty of nesting terns on the grassy bank right in front of us, giving superb views. Even better, amongst them was the legendary American Black Tern, returning again, paired up with another bird. It is not yet known if it is the same bird she paired with last year. Three eggs were lain, but they were sterile, so no chicks produced. 

American Black Tern

Arctic. terns

Skirting down through the dunes to the beach, we walked along the edge of the fenced off area, finding several Ringed Plovers running around, but sadly no fluffy chicks seen today. Our other target here was Little Terns, with several seen flying over the sea, and eventually I found one in the scope for Emilie to look at, noting the yellow bill and white forehead.

Ringed Plover

We took the beach route back to the others, where we ate lunch and the children went in the sea. Tim spotted some Guillemots on the water, together with some more Eiders, and a Gannet passed overhead. 

As the tide receded, a shallow rocky ridge was exposed. Walking down with the scope, I located several Ringed Plovers and  Sanderling busily searching for food, together with a single Turnstone and a Curlew, looking huge in comparison to the other waders, with its long down curved bill. I am not very familiar with summer plumaged Sanderlings, and to my inexperienced eye they are reminiscent of winter Dunlin, but more rufous coloured, and of course the Dunlin in summer have black bellies, and these did not. There is always so much to learn! 

Sanderling

It had been a great day, with something for everyone to enjoy in a stunning and peaceful location. 

Beadnell Bay



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