Terns tend to be graceful and highly maneuverable flyers and those skills are very much on display when they’re fishing.
1/5000, f/6.3, ISO 500, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light
I found this Forster’s Tern fishing at Bear River MBR last June and decided I’d attempt to photograph it coming out of the water after a dive – easier said than done. And to catch it with a fish would be a bonus. This species is known for feeding on “small” fish but this one is ridiculous – hardly worth the bother. If you look very carefully you can see the miniscule fish behind the upper part of the bill. I’ve cropped this shot unconventionally in order to include the “splash” behind the bird.
These birds fish relentlessly. Their quarry is small, as is their success rate. In one Forster’s Tern study, 1538 dives produced 369 fish for a success rate of 24%.
1/5000, f/6.3, ISO 500, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light
The fish is more easily seen in this next shot. When they come off the surface they usually shake excess water out of their feathers in mid-air. I caught this tern just before the shake, where it has twisted its wings in order to get good action for the upcoming shake. I missed the shake with this bird but…
1/1250, f/6.3, ISO 500, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light
I did manage to capture it on another day with this Caspian Tern. I didn’t have enough shutter speed to get the quick movements particularly sharp but this shot shows just how convoluted their posture can become from the violent action. I like the upside-down head and the water flying straight up from the bill. Notice that the nictitating membrane is closed to protect the eye.
Forster’s Terns sometimes drop their fish prey (especially when it’s a slightly larger fish) from heights of about 60 feet and then re-catch it at about 30 feet (the reason for this behavior is apparently not fully understood). If I ever feel like I need a huge photographic challenge, that could certainly be it!
Ron
Exquisite!
Spectacular shots! It is quite a challenge to catch the terns coming up out of the water, especially with prey. Interesting data on their success rate. No wonder most of my shots show nothing in their beaks!
Thanks, Wally. When I think about it I’m pretty impressed that they are able to catch a fish 1 in 4 times. Especially small ones.
Beautiful. The colors are so outstanding. I love terns they are such beautiful birds. These pictures make me wish for a change of scenery. All this white isn’t as pretty as it used to be.
Ha, couldn’t agree with you more about being tired of snow, Teri. Bring on some green!
While shooting shots like this, are you able to focus manually or do you have to rely on auto focus. Thanks.oo.
Mike, I wouldn’t have a snowball’s chance in Hades getting these birds sharp in flight using manual focus. I always use autofocus.
The colors are spectacular, and the light. I love that forked tail.
Thank you, Maria. Yes, that forked tern tail is something, isn’t it?
Great shots. Are you able to use manual focus or do you have rely on auto focus?
Ron,
I’m really enjoying your blog because every day I learn something new and I get to enjoy your amazing photographs. Thanks so much for sharing!
I’m glad you enjoy “learning something new” here, Caryn. I’m also learning, just by doing the blog.