At the end of last month, I had the pleasure of taking Caspian Tern photos as these terns were flying and fishing at my local pond.
Caspian Tern at the start of a dive – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 640, +1.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The Caspian Tern action above the pond was hot and heavy. Terns were flying in from all directions, which made it hard for me to pick an individual to track and photograph. Additionally, I am a bit rusty when it comes to using my tripod because I usually photograph from my Jeep.
I guess I could have gotten frustrated, but I was having too much fun to allow any negative thoughts into my mind. Psychologically, negativity doesn’t help anyone; it only hinders. I prefer to think positive thoughts.
Caspian Tern flying over an urban pond – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 640, +1.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I relaxed and focused on the Caspian Terns, our largest terns in North America, about the size of Ring-billed Gulls. These birds fly almost as erratically as the gulls, which presents a challenge for capturing them in flight. I enjoy challenges and had a great time observing and photographing them as they whizzed by.
Spring Caspian Tern in flight – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f8, 1/1600, ISO 640, +1.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
These large terns are in full breeding plumage when they migrate back into northern Utah during the spring. Their black caps and large red bills make them easy for even novice birders to identify.
Caspian Terns are very vocal
The day I photographed these terns they were quite vocal. There may be some people that find their raspy calls annoying. I don’t. I find them to be easily recognizable by ear and I don’t need to see the bird to know they are in the area.
Nearly eye level with a flying Caspian Tern – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f8, 1/1600, ISO 640, +1.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Watching the Caspian Terns flying by is fun. They are graceful in flight and with their large size, easy for my eyes to follow. Tracking them with my camera mounted on my tripod isn’t always so easy. My keeper rate dropped but I still came home with images that I am happy with.
Caspian Tern chasing an Osprey – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 640, +1.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Part of the fun I had that day was that the Caspian Terns were bothered by a migrating Osprey that was also present at the pond. The terns repeatedly tried chasing the Osprey away. I was only able to capture a few photos of that action because it happened so quickly. I particularly liked this image that shows the tern with its bill wide open. The Osprey’s facial expression made me giggle; it was as if the Osprey was saying, “What did I do to deserve this?” and I couldn’t help but laugh.
All in all, I had a terrific morning photographing the Caspian Terns, the Osprey, and other birds.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Caspian Tern photos plus facts and information about this species. Click here to see more of my Osprey photos plus facts and information about this species.
Terns are graceful and beautiful and you captured them perfectly. Also, as we leaned from your last shot…you don’t want to piss them off. Thanks Mia.
That last shot is something else! Love the tern’s beautiful coral beak too. 💜
I am so glad that you had fun – and got some wonderful keepers too.
Beautiful images, I love the chase photo.
Great picture of the Tern chasing the grumpy Osprey.
You captured very sharp images despite being handicapped by the tripod. I gave up ever trying to capture moving targets hampered by a tripod or even a monopod. Of course my rig is much lighter than yours!
Wow! All those photos are amazing but that last one is super awesome!
I haven’t seen any Caspian Terns yet this year. I’m looking forward to seeing them again. I have given up photographing them in flight. They are so erratic that I marvel at your being able to follow them.