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In Ireland we are lucky to host five breeding Tern species, namely; the Common, Arctic, Roseate, Little and Sandwich Tern. In this episode we look at these gracious birds in detail and chat about their identifying features, ecology and breeding sites. 

We chat to Dr Stephen Newton - Senior Seabird Conservation Officer with BirdWatch Ireland on Tern conservation in Ireland over three decades and look at the many successes of these efforts.

Bird of the week is the majestic Black Tern, a non-breeding annual visitor to our shores albeit in small numbers. The Black Tern is a species of "marsh tern" differing in ecology from our five sea tern species which we discuss. 

Thanks to Seán Ronayne (Irish Wildlife Sounds) for much of the Tern audio. 

In Your Nature is produced in partnership with the Heritage Offices of Laois and Offaly County Councils, supported by the Heritage Council and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly

For more about BirdWatch Ireland, visit www.birdwatchireland.ie.