Following the pilot survey made on the Namibian coast in early 1998 (Tree 1998), a full expedition to study terns and waders was mounted for the period February-March 1999. Fieldwork concentrated on terns with limited additional ringing of waders and Barn Swallows. Ringing studies of terns were an important aspect and included collection of suitable mensural data, weight, primary moult, acquisition of breeding cap and colouring of underparts, as well as ageing techniques.