Caspian Tern on the shore – Nikon D200, handheld, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 160, Nikkor 70-300mm VR at 300mm, natural light
The day I came home from camping in the West Desert the first bird calls I heard were from several Caspian Terns in flight overhead that were squabbling and diving at each other. That might sound odd because I live in the city but the terns were also flying over the nearby pond. This time of the year I can easily find Caspian Terns at my local pond, at Farmington Bay WMA and at Bear River MBR.
The Caspian Tern in breeding plumage above was photographed in May of 2009 at the north beach of Fort De Soto County Park.
Caspian Terns breed in North America but they have an extensive range which includes the Baltic and Black Seas in Europe, Africa, Asia, New Zealand and Australia. Climate change may already be affecting the breeding range selection of Caspian Terns because in 2016 Caspian Terns nested in Cape Krusenstern National Monument in northwestern Alaska which was 1,000 miles further north than any previous sighting.
The calls of Caspian Terns aren’t melodic, they are in fact quite raspy and some people might even say annoying but it was a delight for me to hear them when I got home from the desert and I hope that I am able to photograph them this year. I’ll be keeping an eye out for them.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Caspian Tern photos plus facts and information about this species.
Caught one today at Decker lake! Sitting on a mattress floating in the middle.
Seriously? Someone threw a mattress in Decker Lake?
Striking pic Mia. I love the colors. Your commentary is also very interesting. I had no idea that Caspian Terns had such an enormous range. Thanks.
I hope you find them.