Sooty Tern, Anglesey

I finally managed to catch up with Sooty Tern on Anglesey when it settled for a few days in a row at Cemlyn lagoons on the mainland. This bird was unmissable and inevitable despite the fact that its a ****ing long drive and its been bloody elusive. Previously the bird had frequented the offshore islands "The Skerries" but due to the fact it would be a good 5 hours in the car in addition to the boat trip this wasn't too tempting, especially as I would have to drive myself.
Having paid a fleeting visit to Ireland and being seen sporadically on the Skerries, the bird disappeared for a few days. Thankfully it reappeared on the mainland at Cemlyn lagoons. At last it seemed like the journey might be worthwhile, so I got in the car and drove up to Liverpool to meet up with Stephen Menzie. From here we traveled to Anglesey the next morning. We had to wait for an hour or so, but year ticks in the form of Storm Petrel and Manx Shearwater kept us entertained until the Sooty Tern made an appearance. A very nice bird, well worth the hours of driving I had to endure.

Prints of this bird are available for sale