terns Archives

June 11, 2024

From Swakopmund’s sands to Amsterdam’s canals: A Tern’s 8,429-kilometer Odyssey

Follow the remarkable journey of a Common Tern from the salt flats of Swakopmund, Namibia, to the coasts of Amsterdam, Netherlands. This in-depth exploration details the impressive 8,429-km migration and the terns’ annual 20,000-km flights between hemispheres. Through field notes and rare sightings, learn about the challenges, habitats, and conservation needs of these migratory seabirds. Discover the efforts of dedicated bird ringers and the global network tracking the lives of these avian travelers.

March 25, 2025

Exploring Walvis Bay’s Wild Side

The Pelican Point Guided Hike is a new initiative, offering adventurers a unique way to explore the beauty of Walvis Bay’s lagoon and RAMSAR site. Founded by Kelly Beukes, an avid hiker and nature enthusiast, this trek takes participants along the western edge of the lagoon. What sets this experience apart is the opportunity to witness marine and birdlife up close, away from the noise and distractions of the modern world. From playful seals and elegant flamingos to the dramatic shipwreck resting on the shore, every step of the journey reveals something remarkable.

March 26, 2025

Ferns turning in a dance of flight

As I drove down the coast, I stumbled upon a spectacle that felt like nature’s own aerial ballet. A huge group of terns, consisting mostly of Common Terns, their sharp black caps contrasting against the clear blue sky, flitted and dived in synchrony over the sand and surf. With their slender bodies, long, angular wings and graceful flight patterns, watching them was an absolute display of harmony.