Hovering Forster’s Tern – Nikon D7100, f7.1, 1/3200, ISO 400, +1.0 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
Last week I photographed this adult Forster’s Tern in flight as it foraged for food above Glover Pond near Farmington Bay WMA. I have found photographing terns in flight challenging because they fly fast and change direction even faster. For Forster’s Terns hovering only lasts 3 to 4 seconds which doesn’t give photographers much time to lock focus and fire the shutter.
I love the pose of the tern in this image although I do wish I had gotten better eye contact but that can be difficult because they have black eyes in their black caps plus they look down to search for prey . Quite often I will hear their call before I see them which gives me time to locate the tern and track its movement through my viewfinder. Forster’s Terns do breed in Utah and I often see them flying over freshwater marshes, ponds and lakes searching for prey.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Forster’s Tern photos plus facts and information about this species.
Great feather texture in this inflight image! I am looking forward to seeing these for the first time in mid to late November!!
Very good Mia. I too love this shot and think this is a beautiful image of a beautiful bird.
Wow. And that spread of feathers? Amazing. Thank you.
Forster’s Terns are fascinating subjects to be sure. I sometimes see large groups diving right next to the freeway in SF Bay. Nice work as always Mia.
A beaitiful shot…looks like he’s just about to plunge…don’t see hiw you get these shots.
Wonderful pic Mia!
Great catch, Mia!