While I was out at Inskip Point yesterday afternoon I saw a small flock of terns roosting on the sand at the point.
Crested Terns have been away nesting on islands off the coast but this flock had a mixture of birds at all stages. Some were in scruffy looking non-breeding plumage, there were a few that had almost full breeding plumage and there were some very noisy juveniles as well. I also saw two Little Terns which looked extra small standing in among the much larger Crested Terns.
I always think that Crested Terns are extra noisy and this flock was noisy and unsettled. Birds kept flying off and then coming back to rest again. This is a juvenile bird.
This photo shows why the flock was so disturbed. I was focused on the bird that was closer to me but the one in the background has a fish in its beak.
love the top shot with several of them having wings overhead. they're such beauties (since i don't have to listen to their noise!) :)
ReplyDeleteGreat action shots!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteI could sit and watch these beautiful birds all day.. many thanks for sharing them.
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy watching Terns, they are one of my favorite shorebirds. Wonderful photos!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shots, Mick. I love terns!
ReplyDeleteWonderful images. I like the top shot the most.
ReplyDeleteYour pics make me dream about sunny waters and bright white flights around me. And that's a beautiful image. Love your flight shots against the sparkling waters.
ReplyDeletegreat photographs, especially like the one taking off ....
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shots of the Terms Mick. The first photo of the flock on the sandbar, some with their wings up and the in-flight shot of the juvenile are my favorites.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots.
ReplyDeleteYour weather looks much nicer than ours, Mick. Love the flight shots! The fish in the bill is a nice catch even if you were focused on the other one.
ReplyDeleteHi there - if you want noise, you should try walking through a nest colony banding the chicks! It would cause industrial deafness if you did it every day!
ReplyDeleteNice set of pictures.
Stewart M - Melbourne.
Such pretty birds -- love the one in flight. :)
ReplyDeleteI posted the Crested Tern a few weeks ago but nothing like these shots!! Love the actions shots, Mick.
ReplyDeletethat is really a big difference in size between the terns. Great shots of the little tern. :)
ReplyDeleteThey are so regal looking. We don't have them here, so enjoy seeing them.
ReplyDeleteThese are wonderful shots of birds I have never seen..love the one with the fish in the mouth....Michelle
ReplyDeleteLike Tex, I love the ones with their wings spread in the first shot.
ReplyDeleteWonderful series!
They are lovely, and your shots are superb!
ReplyDeleteAs graceful as they look in flight, on land they seem unproportioned and a little clumsy. Nice shots.
ReplyDeleteWonderful images of the terns, Mick!
ReplyDeleteIt must be wonderful to watch a big flock relatively close. Yes, noisy fellows, but so beautiful :-)!
ReplyDelete