Sadly this year has been a tragedy for the 3 pairs of oystercatchers that nest on our local cliffs without a single chick still alive. One pair that re-sat last year and this, again failed to grow their hatched chicks.
Apparently a Greater Black backed gull has been marauding along the Newquay Kittiwake cliff and 3 days ago just prior to hatching their one chick one of our Oys was chasing a GBB away so maybe there is the culprit.
It is just a bit heart rending to see the epitome of cuteness cuddling under mum, only coming out to receive a juicy morsel from a small limpet brought by dad at 7.30 pm, and by 10am next day an empty ledge.
Out in the Bay however a small group of Scoter have arrived and the noisy Sandwich Terns are managing to find a fish or two, but best of all the Fulmars on the cliffs nearest to Tresaith have 8 small white fluffy chicks so I shall keep an eye on them, hoping to see their projectile 'ink' when the GBB comes knocking!
