On my most recent trip to Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, I saw, but didn’t photograph, Forster’s Terns flying and hunting over Sally Jones Lake.
Forster’s Tern in flight over the Gulf – Fort De Soto County Park, Pinellas County, Florida – 2009
I didn’t have my camera in hand, but I enjoyed watching the terns diving into the lake and flying along the opposite shoreline. I couldn’t help but smile.
I’ve photographed Forster’s Terns on the Gulf Coast of Florida during their nonbreeding season and loved the experience. I could sand-crawl up to the resting terns, take photos, sand-crawl backward, and not disturb them at all. And I had a blast taking images of the terns in flight.
Autumn Forster’s Tern in flight over a marsh – Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, Utah – 2017
When I lived in Utah, I saw and photographed Forster’s Terns at Farmington Bay WMA, Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, and a local pond near home.
And hopefully, now I’ll be able to photograph them in both Oklahoma and Arkansas. In addition to the Forster’s Terns during the warmer months, I’ve seen Least Terns at the refuge, but they were too far away to photograph. I’m hoping to get images of the Least Terns next summer!
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Forster’s Tern photos plus facts and information about this species.
It has been mild here in northern Utah, most water is still open. I saw a couple of terns still at BRMBR this year in December.
I love that you are constantly seeing new birds – and welcoming old friends.