First breeding record of Caspian Terns in Poland
Since 2021, Caspian Terns have been using the artificial islands of Brysna and Smiecka in the Szczecin Lagoon, a large coastal lagoon along the Baltic Coast on the Polish/German border. During the migration period concentrations of up to 130 individuals have been observed there.
During the breeding season, adult Caspian Terns were observed within the colonies of Black-headed Gulls and Common Terns. In June 2024 the first nest of the species was found.
An adult was first observed within the colony on June 7th. After longer observations, a second bird was observed bringing a fish to its partner. After consuming the gift, the first bird appeared to return to a nest - observers became confident they were watching a nest.
A visit was made to the nest, a single egg was found and measured. The observers then left the island quickly to allow the adults to return. They were able to observe it from a distance returning to the nest.
On June 17th two eggs were found and a camera trap set up. On July 3rd the chicks hatched and the two young were still being observed and doing well on 11th July. Between 11th and 27th July the camera trap records showed that the young birds were fed for a few more days and then moved from the camera's range.However, on 27th July no young birds nor agitated adults were observed and it was thought likely that the chicks had been lost.
The exact cause of the loss of the nest will not be known because the young had moved beyond the scope of the camera trap. Nevertheless, the observations provided a well documented case of a new species of breeding bird in Poland.
5 Aug 2024
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