📖 A Morning Walk at the Ythan Estuary 22/05/26

Despite the overcast skies and a chilly breeze pulling in off the North Sea, I headed out this morning for a low-tide walk along the River Ythan. As it turned out, the grey morning had an absolute treat in store.

Reaching the mouth of the estuary, the Terns were out in full force, they were feeding at incredibly close quarters right where the river meets the sea.

Watching these agile seabirds dive, hover, and dart through the air with perfect precision is always a sight to behold, and I make it a tradition to visit at this time of year to see the action. I'm blessed to have the Forvie National Nature Reserve just a short drive away. The Forvie Ternery is a vital breeding ground, and during the summer months, it plays host to four distinct, beautiful breeding Tern species.

Sandwich Tern: The largest of the four and often the first to arrive. 

Sandwich Tern

Sandwich Tern

Common Tern: A master of elegance with its silvery-grey plumage and vibrant red bill tipped with black. Although this one was a little dishevelled after the dive.

Common Tern

Arctic Tern: Famous for undertaking the longest migration of any animal on Earth, recognisable by its blood-red bill and deeply forked tail.

Arctic Tern

Little Tern: Our smallest and rarest visitor, instantly identifiable by its tiny size and bright yellow bill with a black tip.

Little Tern

Moments like this are a wonderful reminder of how spectacular our local nature is. You don’t need blazing sunshine or perfect blue skies to witness something extraordinary—sometimes, a grey, breezy morning at low tide is exactly what you need to reconnect with the wild.