Caspian Tern

Caspian Tern does not linger too long when found. The 2007 individual stayed 10 minutes at Big Waters NR before moving to Bothal Pond, then returning to Big Waters for 20 minutes, it then moved to the Blyth Estuary for 37 minutes before returning to Big Waters for a further 35 minutes.

The 2016 individual only stayed for 8 minutes, so the 2023 individuals were a welcome sight for those close by, staying for 60 minutes.

1). 1880 Farne Islands, seen, 6th June. 

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1887: 458; G. Bolam, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1896: 84; Evans, 1911; Galloway & Meek, 1978-83; Kerr, 2001).

2). 2007 Big Waters NR, adult, 14th July, photo; presumed same, Bothal Pond, 14th July; same, River Blyth, 14th July, photo. 

(Birding World 20 (7): 271, photo; British Birds 100: plate 245; N. A. J. Hudson and the Rarities Committee, British Birds 101: 549; J. C. Day & A. J. Johnston, Birds in Northumbria 2007: 275-276, photo).

3). 2016 Big Waters NR, 3CY+, 27th July, photo. 

(C. Holt and the Rarities Committee, British Birds 110: 586).

4). 2022 Cresswell Pond, 3CY+, 16th July, photo.

(L. Bacon, P. French and the Rarities Committee, British Birds 116: 570).

5). 2023 East Chevington, two, 3CY+, 11th July, video.

(L. Bacon, P. French and the Rarities Committee, British Birds 117: 691).

P). 2025 East Chevington and Cresswell Pond, adult, 14th and 15th July, photo.

(birding information services).