The Tables have "Tern-ed"

Hello, hello!! Ferreting Fynn here. Today, I want to talk about how (for me personally) the tables have turned. You might know what I mean if you've seen my post on my twitter account, but for those who don't you'll just have to wait....

Last Tuesday, we headed down to Fairlands because someone had spotted a Common Tern, (or "Sea Swallow") and as we live only 3 mins away from it, we headed down. Last time we came to Fairlands as there was a Common Tern, we came back empty handed. This time though, we had hope as we were in prime season for Terns and when we checked on Herts bird club, it was the most resent sight. So, (after taking out the muffins we made from the oven) we set off. We parked in the smallest carpark ,as there is usually no other cars there, and already alone swallow was darting around, but no sign of the Tern.

As soon as the lake was on view, I saw a gull-like bird flying above the lake so I checked with my binoculars to see if it was the Tern and as luck would have it, there it was. As elegant as ever, maybe not as elegant as the Arctic Tern, but still elegant. We decided to rush back and get the camera, but then the heavens opened. That didn't stop us though, because we still went out with the camera. Sure it would get wet, but as long if we had the lens cap on it would be fine. The Common Tern was resting on a boi which gave us some great photo opportunities!! Whilst photographing, lots of Swallows were swooping around us and I thought I should try and get some pics, no biggy? WRONG!! It was hard!! Around half way through that, some sort of Martin joined the swallows and all flew to the neighbouring lake. That worked for us as there were trees that could shelter us and the camera, plus, I have got good shots from there. When we arrived, there were at-least 30 SWALLOWS darting round the lake!! I even saw some drink!! When they drink, they hover like a Kestrel and swoop down, or they just skim over the water like a skimming stone. I was keeping a sharp eye out for the Martin, when I saw a white rump on the back of a bird.

This was it, the Martin. Now all I had to do was to snap a close up of it and check if it was a Sand Martin or a House Martin.
It took AGES to get a decent photo of it!! Eventually, I got a decent picture and I instantly knew that it was a House Martin!! Another new bird for this year!! We kept watching the Swallows and the House Martin until we needed to go back home. Just coming back to the car park, a few Swallows were sort-of congratulating us? By swooping around us like fans or something? Either way I felt proud. Proud that we spotted one of the most elegant sea birds and an Urban version of the Swallow.

So, The tables have ''Tern-ed.'' For us personally and maybe we might of "Brent" the rules. Have a good one!! Stay Safe!!

Ferreting Fynn