Terns have returned to Nemunas islands near Lipliūnai and Niedus lake
07-05-2019
This winter Lithuanian ornithological society has implemented practical management works on Nemunas islands near Lipliūnai settlement and immediate results were seen sunny morning of May 6 - ornithologists observed on the islands not only Black-headed gulls, but also around 15 pairs of Common Tern, as well as similar number of pairs of Little Tern. Its difficult to say, whether all of them will breed there, as birds are only looking for the most attractive breeding sites. Not only mentioned birds were observed, but as well as Northern Lapwing with chicks, Common Redshank, Little Ringed Plover (at least 5 pairs), White Wagtail, Western Yellow Wagtail, two females of Ruff, Wood Sandpiper and White Egret.
An island in the lake Niedus is occupied by Black-headed gulls, however around 20 Common terns were observed. It seems that these two species will cohabit the island. A pair of Caspian Gull was seen on the island too. However, the detailed monitoring was not done, as birds are very sensitive for disturbance at the beginning of the breeding season. The following species were registered during the visit: Eurasian Coot, Great Crested Grebe, Mallard, Gadwall, Common Pochard, Eurasian Bittern, White Egret, Savi's Warbler, Great Reed Warbler, Eurasian Reed Warbler, Western Marsh Harrier.
Little terns. Photo by Eglė Pakštytė
