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Wednesday, 6 January 2021

Wild Bird Wednesday 441 - Caspian Terns

Caspian Terns (Hydroprogne caspia) are a distinctively large tern with an equally large and distinctive red beak.

This group of birds were loafing about near to Swan Bay jetty - a place where I often go to have a look around.  The birds were calm, but nervous (if that makes any sense!).  I would take a slow step closer, and they would take a few slow steps further away.  I suspect it may have been a game.

I tried an indirect approach, where you don't walk directly at the birds, but weave from side to side and move very slowly forward.  They just watched and moved backwards as I moved forwards.

In the end I just stood still and waited.  And so did they!

In the end the flew off - possibly bored of teasing me and eager to find some food.

These are the best pictures I could manage!





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16 comments:

  1. Marie Smith6 January 2021 at 02:16

    We have Caspian terns here for part of the year. I love to watch then gliding on the breeze.

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  2. David M. Gascoigne,6 January 2021 at 02:41

    Interesting to see these birds in Australia. It is quite a common breeding species here and they arrive back fairly early. Gives me shivers thinking of spring just looking at your pictures!

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  3. Rhodesia6 January 2021 at 03:27

    Not sure I have ever seen terns but then I seldom ever see the sea or anywhere where there is a lot of water!
    Re the canaries the heading says it all - Photos from South Africa!!
    Stay safe, Diane

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  4. Brian King6 January 2021 at 04:08

    Quite the handsome birds!

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  5. Yamini MacLean6 January 2021 at 04:30

    Hari OM
    A lovely trio they make - synchronised birdering!!! YAMxx

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  6. Kenneth Cole Schneider6 January 2021 at 09:11

    They visit our inland wetlands and can they every make a racket! I did not realize this species had such a global distribution. I checked eBird and was amazed at how they lit up the globe.

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  7. Cloudia6 January 2021 at 16:36

    I enjoyed the backstory, Stewart.

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  8. Margaret Birding For Pleasure6 January 2021 at 17:58

    A very impressive large Tern. Yes birds seem to have a definite distance (all birds differ on this) that they will keep their distance from you. Thanks for hosting, stay safe and have a good week ahead.

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  9. italiafinlandia6 January 2021 at 18:47

    They are incredible flyers.
    All the best for the New Year, Stewart, and thanks for hosting!

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  10. Lea6 January 2021 at 19:53

    Handsome birds!
    I was surprised when an Internet search revealed that they are here in North America too. And they migrate through my area! Maybe I'll see one someday.
    Have a great day!

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  11. jp@A Green Ridge7 January 2021 at 06:48

    Oh my...so very distinguished looking!...:)jp

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  12. Ludmiła Jabłońska7 January 2021 at 07:45

    Cudowne rybitwy! Gratuluję obserwacji. Dawno do Ciebie nie zaglądałam.

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  13. Linda7 January 2021 at 17:31

    I like the way they posed for you!

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  14. This N That8 January 2021 at 03:59

    Cute little group..I'm sure they liked playing with you LOL The orange beaks look like carrots!! Enjoy the rest of your week..

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  15. Wally Jones8 January 2021 at 05:15

    I love watching these big terns fish. Very nice photographs, Stewart! I understand that "game" they play and nice job being patient enough to keep up with them.

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  16. waldlaeufer68 Frank Scholtyssek10 January 2021 at 16:58

    Hello Stewart
    great trio, super caught,
    Greetings Frank

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