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Least Ternby *Ryser915

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Least Terns are our smallest North American tern. They nest in large colonies, usually on sandy beaches. Least Terns are known for their fearless defense of their colonies during breeding season. They will mercilessly attack an intruder, striking repeatedly dive-bombing it, and striking it with their bills, Least Terns will even intentionally defecate on an intruder with a well aimed strike. I am fortunate enough to census Least, Common, and Roseate Tern colonies during breeding season. Because of this, I am the subject of attack by these birds on a regular basis. This particular bird was on a crash course with my face. Usually they pull away at the last second, but you can never be too sure!

Ridgevale Beach
Chatham, Massachusetts

June 11, 2011

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Submitted on: June 12, 2011
Image Size: 95.9 KB
Resolution: 756×464

Views: 1,361
Favourites: 123 (who?)
Comments: 16

Camera Data

Make: Canon
Model: Canon EOS 7D
Shutter Speed: 1/1024 second
Aperture: F/6.3
Focal Length: 235 mm
ISO Speed: 400
Date Taken: June 11, 2011
Software: Adobe Photoshop Elements 9.0 Windows
Sensor Size: 10mm

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*RomanceSoldier Jun 30, 2011 Student Photographer

It looks like a torpedo flying at your lens

I like it.

~bonefish Jun 15, 2011 Hobbyist General Artist

Intense! Great focus and nice job capturing a head-on shot. It's the look that seabird researchers quickly learn to dread when working around colonies. I did some work with gulls a few years back, and their defenses are similar to the terns' repertoire. By comparison, I guess the gulls are kind of like bombers and the terns are more like fighter jets... the little guys can pull off some wicked aerial maneuvers at high speed.