Book Review: “Clinging to the Edge: A Year in the Life of a Little Tern Colony” by Richard Boon

By John Hague

John moved to Leicester in 1993 to start training as a mental health nurse and recently retired after 30-odd years in the NHS to start Shrike Birding Tours. His passion for birds extends into writing and using the power of words and birds to try and engage with people to enjoy the wildlife that is all around them and also to use this connection to nature as a way to improve their mental health.

I guess I should start this review with a couple of admissions: Spurn is one of my favorite places to watch birds and the other… I have never visited the Tern colony there. My only trips up that way are usually rarity hunting in autumn. I suppose my other admission about Spurn is that living in Leicester these days, I can’t visit as often as I would like.

Clinging to the Edge is an exploration of the lives of Little Terns, one of Britain’s most endangered seabirds seen through the eyes of volunteer warden, Richard Boon. This book offers an intimate look into the breeding season of a colony at Beacon Ponds, near Spurn Point in East Yorkshire.

Boon’s elegant and evocative prose paints a vivid picture of these delicate birds, from their arduous migration from West Africa to their daily struggles for survival on the harsh North Sea coast. The author’s keen observations and in-depth knowledge of their behavior bring these fascinating creatures to life. Even in the preface I learned something about the scientific names for the various ‘Little’ Terns in the Northern Hemisphere.

The book delves into the many challenges faced by Little Terns, including predation, habitat loss, and human disturbance. He highlights the importance of conservation efforts and the dedication of volunteers who work tirelessly to protect these birds. Through his writing, he raises awareness of the threats facing these species and encourages readers to appreciate the delicate balance of nature.

While the focus is on the Little Terns, the book also offers insights into the unique ecosystem of Spurn Point, a dynamic landform constantly shaped by the sea. Richard’s descriptions of the dramatic landscape and its inhabitants create a sense of place that is both awe-inspiring and humbling.

“Clinging to the Edge” is a must-read for serious birders and bird watchers alike. It is a poignant reminder of the fragility of our natural world and the urgent need to protect its most vulnerable inhabitants

***

“Clinging to the Edge: A Year in the Life of a Little Tern Colony”
By Richard Boon
Published by Pelagic Publishing on Nov 15, 2024
ISBN-13: 978-1784274894