Sunday, May 30, 2010

Caspian Terns

I saw a number of Caspian Terns when I was out at Inskip Point the other day. We often see a few of these terns roosting with other terns or shorebirds but this time I saw a juvenile begging from an adult. The adult was ignoring its constant cries but the juvenile just didn't give up. In breeding plumage the adults have a full black cap. Caspian Terns are the largest of the 6 species of terns that we commonly see here. Crested Terns are the next in size. This photo shows a Crested Tern standing just to the rear of the two Caspian Terns. (One of the Caspian Terns has a band on its leg.)For more bird photos visit the Bird Photography Weekly.
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15 comments:

  1. gwenMay 30, 2010 at 4:03 PM

    Great shots Mick.

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  2. mickMay 30, 2010 at 4:06 PM

    Thanks Gwendolen.

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  3. LarryMay 30, 2010 at 6:48 PM

    I love that in-flight shot Mick! And it's nice to see the comparison of the two species side by side.

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  4. eileeninmdMay 30, 2010 at 8:36 PM

    Wonderful photos of the Terns. I like the comparison shot of the Caspian and the Crested, very nice!

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  5. mickMay 31, 2010 at 5:40 AM

    Thanks Larry and Eileen.

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  6. NatureFootstepMay 31, 2010 at 6:29 AM

    That was a strange looking tern. Such a large beak! I had to check the book to see if it comes up here, but it doesn´t.

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  7. mickMay 31, 2010 at 7:34 AM

    Hi NatureFootstep - it is an interesting looking one isn't it - and it looks quite massive beside the smaller terns.

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  8. BirdingMaineJune 1, 2010 at 5:29 AM

    I've seen Caspian Terns, but never the Crested Tern. Great photos showing the differnces. Great work Mick!

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  9. mickJune 1, 2010 at 12:21 PM

    Thanks BirdingMaine

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  10. Phil SladeJune 1, 2010 at 4:38 PM

    Nice pictures of the juvenile with the adult Mick. With those hefty bills I guess those birds can take some pretty hefty fish too?

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  11. mickJune 1, 2010 at 5:10 PM

    Hi Phil, yes you're right - and it's interesting how all the terns have slightly different habits about fishing.

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  12. Denis WilsonJune 1, 2010 at 9:34 PM

    Hi Mick
    Lovely birds, Caspian Terns, even if they are a bit scruffy at present. Magnificent fliers.
    Your comment about different species feeding habits is probably spot on, too.
    Cheers
    Denis

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  13. mickJune 2, 2010 at 5:26 AM

    Hi Denis, even the way they dive for fish is slightly different in different species. That's an idea! Maybe I can try for shots of them diving???

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  14. tilcheffJune 2, 2010 at 7:13 PM

    It's so nice to have five spare minutes and visit your blog, Mick!

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  15. mickJune 3, 2010 at 5:38 AM

    Thanks Nickolay, and I always enjoy your posts. I especially liked the juvenile Swamp Hen you recently posted. I've seen lots of adults but don't remember ever seeing a young one.

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