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 pleasure to watch them.

Have you seen the strength of their primary wing feathers? Just look at how much they are bending with the force of the wings moving against the air:

They’ve energetic birds which survive on a diet of fish and more fish. They clearly don’t need any more vitamins and minerals.

This one is bringing a fish back for its chick. If it’s not its chick it’s feeding it’ll be a case of allofeeding, where birds which haven’t been successful in breeding feed other birds’ chicks.

The fish doesn’t appear impressed.

Many of the chicks have fledged. Here’s one. It has short wings, a short tail and a short beak. I love them:

It has to fly to the Antarctic soon.