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Little tern nests filled with eggs ready to hatch

Tom Burgess
BBC News, North East and Cumbria
TVWT Volunteers and Wardens A flock of terns flying over waves crashing on to the beach. There are 16 little terns in mid-flight above the rough slate grey waves.TVWT Volunteers and Wardens
More than 100 little terns are already nesting at Seaton Carew

More than 50 nests at a seaside resort are filled with little tern eggs which are ready to hatch.

Last year, a record 140 birds were born at Seaton Carew in Hartlepool and this year things "are progressing well", conservationists say.

Volunteers for the Tees Valley Wildlife Trust (TVWT) have praised the support from the local community to protect the little terns.

TVWT warden Derek Wood advised bird watchers that this is "a great time" to come and potentially see eggs hatching.

TVWT Volunteers and Wardens A white little tern in mid-flight with a small fish clutched in its yellow beak.TVWT Volunteers and Wardens
Little terns usually leave Seaton Carew in August

Mr Wood said: "Things are progressing well at Seaton Carew with 127 little terns there so far.

"We have in excess of 50 little tern nests and six ringed plover nests - all of which have eggs.

"Only yesterday our wardens witnessed the first three ringed plover chicks of the season.

"Now is a great time to visit the site and see the crazy goings on of the chicks.

"Public engagement and support has once again been brilliant and we are so grateful."

Little terns, the smallest terns in the UK, typically leave Seaton Carew in mid to late August.

The species is currently classed as amber on the UK list of conservation concern.

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