A Windswept Encounter with a Black Tern at Deeping Lakes

Despite the blustery conditions over the bank holiday weekend, one of the real highlights on the patch was a beautifully agile Black Tern at Deeping Lakes. I spent some time watching it glide low over the water, picking insects delicately from the surface—making the most of what was available, since there weren’t many insects in the air.

It's always a treat to see Black Terns here, especially considering that some springs can pass by without a single sighting. This spring, though, has been much more productive. Flocks were reported moving through earlier in the week, and this lone bird was the icing on the cake.

Their flight style is a joy to watch—graceful, buoyant, and totally at home in the wind. These birds don’t linger long during passage, so getting a moment like this is one to appreciate.

Here’s hoping the rest of the spring continues in the same vein!

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