Country diary: A cruel end to an arctic tern's epic travels

Druridge Bay, Northumberland: These birds, whose migrations can add up to more than a million miles in a lifetime, have been hit by deadly avian fluDruridge Bay is enveloped in the dispiriting coastal fog of a typical Northumberland sea fret, but as we wander across the beach to meet the water, coils of cloud break apart and a milky sun breaks through. I wade into the shallows and a small flounder suddenly appears from its perfect sandy camouflage, as if decloaking from an invisibility shield, and darts rapidly away.Beyond the shore are lively flocks of black-headed gulls, oystercatchers and gannets, some only heard in the fog; but we do spot a small flock of the world's greatest travellers. Continue reading...