The Black Noddy (Anous minutus) is a medium-sized species of tern found on the northern sections of eastern Australia. You may not be surprised to know that they occur on Lord Howe Island and this is where I took these pictures.
On one of the beaches at the northern end of the island there is a small colony of these birds nesting in some pine trees. They seem reasonably calm when approach, but a long lens is always the best option for nesting birds.
What is not clear from these pictures is that it was actually rather windy when I was taking the pictures, and framing the shots was hard as the birds were being blown around a bit.
You can see that some of the birds in these pictures are well developed chicks rather than adult birds - and one is not that well developed at all.
It was great to spend a few minutes with these birds, but I soon left them to their rather wind tossed perches.
On one of the beaches at the northern end of the island there is a small colony of these birds nesting in some pine trees. They seem reasonably calm when approach, but a long lens is always the best option for nesting birds.
What is not clear from these pictures is that it was actually rather windy when I was taking the pictures, and framing the shots was hard as the birds were being blown around a bit.
You can see that some of the birds in these pictures are well developed chicks rather than adult birds - and one is not that well developed at all.
It was great to spend a few minutes with these birds, but I soon left them to their rather wind tossed perches.
As ever, you can join in with WBW by clicking on the link below - and also as ever, please feel free to share the love for WBW with other bloggers! Cheers. SM
Handsome birds with striking eyes. Love that little chick!
ReplyDeleteThey are rather special Stewart. The way the their black and white plumage makes for a picture is quite something.
ReplyDeleteInteresting looking birds, I love the youngster on the side of the nest. Cheers Diane
ReplyDeleteThe branch photos at the end are stunning!
ReplyDeleteOh very nice photo series ! I've never been able to see these birds, even in the Indian Ocean. Congratulations and thank you for this great sharing.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine a more spectacular tern. I would have been thrilled to have been with you.
ReplyDeleteSharp looking birds Stewart.
ReplyDeleteAmazing how the black appears to fade into the white. Beautiful creatures. Great photos.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful birds! I've never seen these before. The white cap is really striking!
ReplyDeleteIt looks so unique and special...
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
Have a great week!
Handsome birds!
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting Wild Bird Wednesday!
Hope you are having a great week!
Hari OM
ReplyDeleteFabulous shots as always Stewart - but I must say I particularly like the last two. Something statuesque - possibly museum display? - about them! YAM xx
Nice series of shots..He looks very stern in one of the nesting pictures...Love their white caps..Thanks for sharing..Have a good week..
ReplyDeleteFine shots! Those birds rather look like our fairy terns, Manu 'o ku
ReplyDeleteThe Honolulu official bird. Although ours our white. They spend much of the day at sea, and then come back and nest in shore areas
Love those shots! Especially the head on view...he looks so angry!
ReplyDeleteHe has an intense stare! Thanks for hosting.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful birds! Very memorable birds because of their color and shape.
ReplyDeleteReally cool looking birds!
ReplyDelete♥
Great photos, and beautiful birds! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDelete