Little Tern - 1994

Scarce passage migrant. Not recorded from December to March or July

Both Mathew (1894) and Lockley et al. (1949) considered the Little Tern to be an occasional passage migrant, noting records of up to six birds at Grassholm, Skokholm and Solva. B. Lloyd's diaries for 1930-1937 include records of ones and twos at Fishguard Harbour in August 1930, September 1935 and October 1936 with one at Bosherston Pools in May 1937.

They are now recorded on passage at the islands and coast most years and occasionally enter Fishguard Harbour and the Cleddau Estuary, particularly at the Gann. One or two are seen between 25 April and 16 June and up to seven between 11 August and 27 October, 90% of the records referring to the autumn. An exceptional passage occurred between 22 August and 12 September 1992 with up to six at Strumble Head, 11 at Skokholm and 23 at Skomer. Late birds were noted at Tenby on 6 November 1961 and off Skokholm on 1 and 6 November 1980.

Donovan J.W. & Rees G.H (1994), Birds of Pembrokeshire