December 10, 2013 4:48 pm
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. 🙂
Posted by Phil Lanoue
Categories: Birds in Flight, Black Skimmers, Forster's Terns, Wildlife Photography
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Che scatti incredibili hai fatto Phil, mica facile con le sterne. Eccezionale, bravissimo!!!
Ciao, Pat
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By Patrizia M. on December 10, 2013 at 4:51 pm
Questi sono uccelli molto difficili da fotografare. Sono felice che ti piace di loro 🙂
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By Phil Lanoue on December 10, 2013 at 5:11 pm
Excellent shots, Phil!
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By Gracie on December 10, 2013 at 4:55 pm
Thanks so much Gracie, they had my head spinning,
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By Phil Lanoue on December 10, 2013 at 5:11 pm
Excellent work Phil, these birds are very hard to catch in flight.
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By janmasyn on December 10, 2013 at 4:55 pm
Thanks Jan, these birds are hard to photograph for sure and they had my head spinning by the time I was done.
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By Phil Lanoue on December 10, 2013 at 5:12 pm
A new great flight serie, well done!
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By HansHB on December 10, 2013 at 5:06 pm
I’m very happy you like these Hans, thank you!
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By Phil Lanoue on December 10, 2013 at 5:12 pm
You are clearly up to the challenge of photographing terns! Wonderful pictures of a very interesting looking bird.
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By Deb W. Trotter on December 10, 2013 at 5:18 pm
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. 🙂
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By Phil Lanoue on December 10, 2013 at 5:34 pm
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.
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By Scott Marshall on December 10, 2013 at 6:42 pm
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. 🙂
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By Phil Lanoue on December 10, 2013 at 7:42 pm
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
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By Judy on December 10, 2013 at 6:47 pm
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.
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By Phil Lanoue on December 10, 2013 at 7:43 pm
Wow, just gorgeous shots, especially with water droplets flying off the bird!
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By Sue on December 10, 2013 at 6:53 pm
Thanks Sue, I was surprised looking the photos later to see the bird doing a mid air shake off and the water flying.
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By Phil Lanoue on December 10, 2013 at 7:44 pm
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. 🙂
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By The Wanderlust Gene on December 10, 2013 at 7:03 pm
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.
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By Phil Lanoue on December 10, 2013 at 7:46 pm
Beautiful shots of these gorgeous birds, Phil. You did a great job. 🙂
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By anotherday2paradise on December 10, 2013 at 7:12 pm
Thanks very much Sylvia I really appreciate that and I’m very happy you enjoyed seeing our speedy little friend in action! 🙂
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By Phil Lanoue on December 10, 2013 at 7:47 pm
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!
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By foxleylady on December 10, 2013 at 8:10 pm
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!
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By Phil Lanoue on December 11, 2013 at 4:33 pm
The tern looked like it was having fun. I do like seeing them and your photos are wonderful.
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By Garden Walk Garden Talk on December 10, 2013 at 8:23 pm
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!
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By Phil Lanoue on December 11, 2013 at 4:35 pm
I thought the first photo was brilliant – and then – they just got better. Excellent photos Phil.
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By roughseasinthemed on December 10, 2013 at 11:01 pm
Well I greatly appreciate that, thanks very much.
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By Phil Lanoue on December 11, 2013 at 4:35 pm
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.
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By babsje on December 11, 2013 at 12:05 am
I really appreciate your interest in my photos and your thoughtfulness in giving the blog award, thanks very much! 🙂
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By Phil Lanoue on December 11, 2013 at 4:36 pm
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.
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By babsje on December 11, 2013 at 4:41 pm
That is very kind of you, thanks a million!
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By Phil Lanoue on December 11, 2013 at 4:45 pm
Not much left to say but “Wow”! Just about the time I think you can’t get any better, you come up with this!
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By Gunta on December 11, 2013 at 2:19 am
I greatly appreciate your kind comments and glad you enjoyed these tern shots!
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By Phil Lanoue on December 11, 2013 at 4:37 pm
I especially liked the one with the water spray but they are all great. Hopefully you recovered from the dizzy spell.
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By Lyle Krahn on December 11, 2013 at 2:47 am
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.
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By Phil Lanoue on December 11, 2013 at 4:39 pm
These are simply awe inspiring Phil. Fabulous photography.
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By Andrew on December 11, 2013 at 4:05 am
Hey that’s very nice of you to say Andrew thanks a million!
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By Phil Lanoue on December 11, 2013 at 4:39 pm
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.
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By Jane Lurie on December 11, 2013 at 4:37 am
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.
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By Phil Lanoue on December 11, 2013 at 4:40 pm
Another great set! Awesome detail and sharpness.
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By Erv on December 11, 2013 at 5:52 am
Hey thanks much Erv, I appreciate you checking in and commenting!
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By Phil Lanoue on December 11, 2013 at 4:41 pm
Wonderful action captures
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By norasphotos4u on December 11, 2013 at 8:44 am
Thanks very much for looking and commenting, I appreciate it.
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By Phil Lanoue on December 11, 2013 at 4:41 pm
Wow great in-focus grabs of such a challenging subject!
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By Rick Alonzo Photography on December 11, 2013 at 11:43 am
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. 🙂
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By Phil Lanoue on December 11, 2013 at 4:42 pm
Perfect every single one of the shot! An awesome fly series, Phil. Thank you!
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By Amy on December 11, 2013 at 1:35 pm
Thanks a bunch Amy, so glad you enjoyed seeing these shots of the fast little terns!
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By Phil Lanoue on December 11, 2013 at 4:43 pm
For fast-moving birds, not a single blur … at least to my eye. Excellent shots.
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By David on December 11, 2013 at 3:28 pm
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!
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By Phil Lanoue on December 11, 2013 at 4:44 pm
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.
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By The Dancing Rider on December 11, 2013 at 5:58 pm
Wonderful images, especially the ones with water water shake and spray shots. 🙂
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By Beth Walsh's Photoblog on December 15, 2013 at 12:41 pm