Black Tern at Amwell, 4th August 2021

News broke on Twitter through Alan Ford of a possible Black Tern at Amwell so I couldn't resist a quick trip to check it out. A couple of others were already there, but the bird was very distant. It was smaller than a Common Tern and had a darker back and was acting like a Marsh Tern. Suddenly a flock of Black-headed Gulls headed skywards chasing flying ants and the Tern went with them. It was difficult to pick out but eventually resumed its flight low down at the southern end of the pit. Fortunately it perched up in front of the viewpoint and a quick picture on Twitter confirmed it as a juvenile Black Tern - Thanks Barry Reed.

At one stage it was joined by a Common Tern to give a size comparison.

My initial flight shots were binned as it then flew much closer in front of the viewpoint.

I have seen a couple of Black Terns in Spring at Amwell, but this is my first on return passage.

A stunning bird, so tiny and dainty!