Spotted a couple of common birds at Wick Harbour....
Common Tern
These are summer visitors coming here to breed. They are easily confused with Arctic Terns, but the Common terns has
a black tip on its beak whereas the Arctic variety is entirely red.
Although usually a ground nester there are several pairs of common terns nested on the (flat)roofs of buildings near the harbour.
They are extremely noisy and very intolerant of intruders (human or otherwise).
The one in the photograph was using the railing as a perch from which to dive to catch fish, mainly sandeels, of which there
are plenty this year.
Rock Pipit.
Just along from the tern I spotted this pipit. These are very common on rocky coasts here and are present all year round. Some,
like this one, venture into the harbour area abd surrounding streets.
They are easily overlooked due to their excellent camouflage, especially in the winter time.
During rough weather they demonstrate a real talent for being able to work the edge of the waves without ever getting soaked.
Ian.
It seems we are down to beliefs again 
