Record breeding pairs of Gull-billed terns at Pomorie Lake

During the past week, we had the chance to make a quick monitoring of breeding birds at Pomorie Lake. We were happy to find out that a large mixed colony of rare and threatened bird species is nesting on the large islet created 4 years ago. It is with greatest joy that we can share that the numbers of breeding Gull-billed terns (Sterna nilotica) is increased reaching about 50-60 pairs, while during the first confirmed nesting at the site in 2015 pairs were 35. Along them on the islet are nesting Avocets (Recurvirostra avosetta), Common (Sterna hirundo) and Little terns (Sterna albifrons), Black-winged stilts (Himantopus himantopus) and Kentish plovers (Charadrius alexandrinus). Just to remind you that during last year the breeding season of the mixed colony of rare species was undermined due to human disturbance and violation of Pomoriysko ezero SPA regime for ban of water tourism and sports.

On the existing for more than 10 years small islet in the southern part of the lagoon, created by Green Balkans and BTCV (UK) volunteers is nesting the Sandwich terns (Sterna sandvicensis) colony that is the symbol of Pomorie Lake. This year the numbers are lower and below the usual 1300 pairs.

On the wooden platforms, created in 2012-2013, in the western part of the wetland Avocets and Little terns were breeding in the end of April that are now replaced by about 100 pairs of Common tern. Colony of more than 50 Avocet pairs is nesting on remnants of eroded dike.

Other interesting news from the lagoon is almost confirmed nesting of a pair of Oystercatchers (Haematopus ostralegus) – species that has not been recorded as breeder during the last 30 years at the site.

Good breeding season results are the best present the lagoon can give us to celebrate the World Environmental Day – 5 June!

Dimitar Popov - dpopov@greenbalkans.org