Royal Tern in breeding plumage with gift for mate – Nikon D200, handheld, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 200, Nikkor 80-400mm VR at 400mm, natural light
After seeing several of my Florida friends posting images of courting Royals Terns recently because it is that time of year I decided to dig into my archives and retrieve some of my own photos of Royal Terns courting at Fort De Soto to share today.
Male Royal Terns usually bring a small fish as a gift for the females when they are courting. This male had flown in and was keeping an eye on the female when I photographed him with his crest erect.
Royal Tern courtship behavior – Nikon D200, handheld, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 200, Nikkor 80-400mm VR at 200mm, natural light
Sometimes the male and female Royal Terns walk side by side through the flock as if they were in a parade.
Courting Royal Terns on the beach – Nikon D200, handheld, f9, 1/750, ISO 200, Nikkor 80-400mm VR at 220mm, natural light
Usually there is a lot of posturing by both sexes when courting on the ground and the males may circle the females.
Royal Tern strutting during courtship behavior – Nikon D200, handheld, f7.1, 1/1500, ISO 250, Nikkor 80-400mm VR at 400mm, natural light
Or the males might strut in front of the females and the rest of the flock while nodding their heads and calling.
Listen to them here.
Royal Terns courting – Nikon D200, handheld, f6.3, 1/3000, ISO 250, Nikkor 80-400mm VR at 400mm, natural light
The “Circling” courtship behavior of Royal Terns was one that I found interesting because as the male circled the female she moved too and kept her sides facing him. I don’t recall ever photographing the Royal Terns mating on the beach but it is possible that I did and have just forgotten it and I didn’t have time this morning to go through all of my images.
I do not see Royal Terns in Utah and I miss them.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to view more of my Royal Tern photos plus facts and information about this species.
These images were taken in 2008 and 2009
Aren’t birds just the greatest? Interesting images and enjoyed hearing them too. Thanks!
Although I have heard of Royal Terns, I have never seen them up close and personal as you have presented them here. What incredibly interesting and striking birds. Beautiful shots. Thanks Mia.
Intriguing.
And like Patty, I love their do.
An interesting series…like their “hair do’s” …wonder if they use gel…or moose. 🙂
Interesting behavior. Read about the juvenile Royal Terns also. I have seen them on the barrier islands of the Gulf Coast for many years, but never watched their behavior. Probably interfered with them. Your camera work is good. Shooting handheld at 400mm can be difficult. Enjoy your time with nature.
Mia, you have proved once again that one does not need the latest camera/lens
gear to produce wonderful images. What it takes is the talent, and skills of the
“person behind the camera.” Well done Mia, very well done. ;-)))