A few Royal Terns have been coming regularly to one of the old rice field ponds to feed. Terns are extremely skillful flyers and I watched two of them for an entertaining 45 minutes, making loops around the pond and occasionally out over the Ashley River.
The terns were constantly turning their heads and changing direction. When they spot a fish in the water they hover.
Then dive!
They go completely under water.
And if all goes well, come up with a fish!
Up and away!
Interestingly, the two terns then flew together out over the river. They got too far away to tell if the fishless bird was trying to steal the meal or if they were sharing.
Wonderful sequence of photos. The tern diving is a standout!
Thanks, Belinda! They were a lot of fun to watch and their flying skills are amazing.
Great captures Ellen, and your little stories are always very interesting!
Thank you, Greta! I’m happy to know that you like them!