Look Who Terned Out Today
This morning I was watching some Forster’s Terns swooping and diving around the salt marsh. These birds are one of the most (quite possibly *the* most) challenging bird in flight subjects I will ever photograph. Forster’s Terns are small, VERY fast and erratic flyers. They somehow seem to be able to move quickly in any direction instantly, and then dart away or dive down with no predictable pattern. Plus this morning we had a stiff wind blowing out across the marsh which made trying to follow focus one of these tiny jets extremely difficult as they got blown about.
They often fly with their heads facing down looking for a fish that can be snatched from the water with a speedy dive . Here, one emerges from the water, flies out across the marsh, then shakes itself off before zipping back out to action once again. I was close to being dizzy by the time I left. 🙂
Phil Lanoue Photography 
Che scatti incredibili hai fatto Phil, mica facile con le sterne. Eccezionale, bravissimo!!!
Ciao, Pat
Questi sono uccelli molto difficili da fotografare. Sono felice che ti piace di loro 🙂
Excellent shots, Phil!
Thanks so much Gracie, they had my head spinning,
Excellent work Phil, these birds are very hard to catch in flight.
Thanks Jan, these birds are hard to photograph for sure and they had my head spinning by the time I was done.
A new great flight serie, well done!
I’m very happy you like these Hans, thank you!
You are clearly up to the challenge of photographing terns! Wonderful pictures of a very interesting looking bird.
Thank you very much Deb, I was trying to keep in practice for flying birds and figure there is no better way then getting these fast little buggers. 🙂
I love terns Phil (we actually have these – though not this variant) so sleek gorgeous sharp action shots the first head shaker – with the trail of water is incredulous.
Thanks a million Scott, glad to hear you enjoyed these tern photos. They are fun to watch but can be a pain to photograph. Keeps me in shape though. 🙂
All spectacular and way worth the effort. I find them very quick to alter course so I know what an accomplishment these are! Picture two is such an interesting angle of body, wings and tail feathers
Thank you Judy! What made this effort even tougher today was the gusty wind also blowing them around in unpredictable ways. Glad you liked these pics of them.
Wow, just gorgeous shots, especially with water droplets flying off the bird!
Thanks Sue, I was surprised looking the photos later to see the bird doing a mid air shake off and the water flying.
Phil, really – you are a wonder the way you actually manage to capture shots like these. That you also give us an insight into the habits and ways of the animals and birds of the salt marsh is such a treat. Congratulations, and thank you … it’s a daily delight to see what you’re going to share each morning. Best wishes for a happy holiday, in case I don’t catch up beforehand. 🙂
Well I greatly appreciate your very kind words about my photos and I’m so happy you enjoyed these tern shots!
Thanks so much for your continued interest and support!
Hope you enjoy your holiday as well.
Beautiful shots of these gorgeous birds, Phil. You did a great job. 🙂
Thanks very much Sylvia I really appreciate that and I’m very happy you enjoyed seeing our speedy little friend in action! 🙂
Phil, these pictures are just superb! To catch these little creatures at the speed that they fly takes real talent and the detail is amazing! To think that they can shake out their feathers whilst flying at that speed is something else – and the fact that you caught it so beautifully , wow!
I did not even realize at the time that he was shaking off so vigorously, just like everything else they do, it happened so fast.
Thanks Maggie!
The tern looked like it was having fun. I do like seeing them and your photos are wonderful.
I think they would have been having a lot more fun if they were catching fish, but it was a rough day out there and they seemed to be mostly coming up empty.
Glad you liked the tern photos!
I thought the first photo was brilliant – and then – they just got better. Excellent photos Phil.
Well I greatly appreciate that, thanks very much.
I have granted you the Very Inspiring Blogger Award. I hope you enjoy it. I can totally understand if you do not wish to participate. I think your blog is wonderful and wanted you to know that.
http://babsjeheron.wordpress.com/2013/12/10/very-inspiring-blogger-award-thanks-palm-rae-urban-potager/
I really appreciate your interest in my photos and your thoughtfulness in giving the blog award, thanks very much! 🙂
You’re welcome, Phil. You don’t need an award from me to tell you how outstanding your work is, but somehow the usual “likes” and “comments” seem inadequate.
That is very kind of you, thanks a million!
Not much left to say but “Wow”! Just about the time I think you can’t get any better, you come up with this!
I greatly appreciate your kind comments and glad you enjoyed these tern shots!
I especially liked the one with the water spray but they are all great. Hopefully you recovered from the dizzy spell.
The water shake off and spray shots were my favorites as well, it’s the first time I have captured that and it all happens so fast I was barely aware they were even doing it.
I’m back to my normal (only slightly dizzy) self, thanks.
These are simply awe inspiring Phil. Fabulous photography.
Hey that’s very nice of you to say Andrew thanks a million!
Great title…hee hee. Love these– for such a difficult subject, you certainly nailed these, Phil. Sharp and varied. I love the one where he’s shaking the water from his head! Great set.
Well I truly appreciate your very kind comments Jane and I liked the water shake off shots the most myself. It happens so fast I barely realized that what the bird was doing.
Another great set! Awesome detail and sharpness.
Hey thanks much Erv, I appreciate you checking in and commenting!
Wonderful action captures
Thanks very much for looking and commenting, I appreciate it.
Wow great in-focus grabs of such a challenging subject!
Thanks much Rick and yes they were a challenge to try to keep up and follow especially with the wind gusts blowing them and me around. 🙂
Perfect every single one of the shot! An awesome fly series, Phil. Thank you!
Thanks a bunch Amy, so glad you enjoyed seeing these shots of the fast little terns!
For fast-moving birds, not a single blur … at least to my eye. Excellent shots.
What was blurry was me after spending a little time trying to track and follow these super fast little buggers especially as the wind was blowing us both around at the same time. Thanks David!
Loved the pun in the title. I can’t believe you were able to capture these mercurial birds. What beautiful, clear detail! They are very pretty.
Wonderful images, especially the ones with water water shake and spray shots. 🙂