First flight
I watched an Arctic Tern colony struggle to raise chicks over the last summer. There was plenty of food, although maybe not the right type, but there were also too many predators.
Chicks are vulnerable to gulls and Ravens and skuas on the pebbly beach and have to respond to adult alarm calls by either staying still, running down the beach for the sea, or running up the beach to cover. It’s always a relief to see a chick finally develop its primary wing feathers and attempt its first hesitant flight.
This may have been the only Arctic Tern chick which survived.
More Arctic Terns
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The beauty of Arctic Terns The Arctic Terns at the Bay of Tuquoy have had success with their breeding colony this year. It's been a… read more
A perfect hat-trick A perfect hat-trick in football is when you score three goals, one with your left foot, one with your right… read more
Not long out of the egg Arctic Terns are colonial nesting birds. I'm sure of that fact. I've spent 18 years exploring Westray and seeing their… read more
An emotional state The Arctic Terns on Westray are bringing a succession of fish in to their youngsters. The beach is crowded with… read more
Beautiful conflict Aikerness is the most northerly part of Westray, where the wild waves crash and the wind blows uninterrupted by walls… read more
Air to light Two years ago I took a photograph I love. It is of an Arctic Tern hovering, using a long exposure… read more
As cool as the Arctic The Arctic Terns on Westray are a curious bunch. If you start to care about them it can be an… read more
Arctic Tern feeding A memory of last summer with the Arctic Terns of Westray. There were so few chicks in this colony that… read more