Thursday, January 12, 2012

Royal Terns

Royal Terns are large terns with orange, carrot shaped bills that are found along the coasts of Florida. I found this Royal Tern along the shore of the Indian River in central Florida. I see them here regularly, usually hanging out with some Laughing Gulls, Ring-billed Gulls, and occasionally some Forster's Terns.

Royal Tern
Indian River Lagoon

I took a trip to Sebastian Inlet last weekend, hoping to see some Black Skimmers. While I didn't find the skimmers there that day, I did see numerous Royal Terns. There was a large flock on the north side of the park, most of which were catching some R & R on the beach. On the south side, I was able to watch several Royal Terns in action, diving for a meal in the inlet. Like alot of birds, I find them fascinating to watch.

Royal Tern
Sebastian Inlet State Park


This tern was conversing with a nearby Ring-billed Gull.

Ring-billed Gull
Sebastian Inlet State Park



Numerous terns joined the flock while I was observing the birds on the beach. They have quite an impressive wingspan.

Immature Royal Tern
Sebastian Inlet State Park






Terns forge both on their own as well as in a group. Royal Terns feed on mostly on small fish.

20 comments:

  1. Stunning images Tammy and an entertaining and informative blog. Oh to have the clarity of light that Florida benefits from so much of the time. – Tim

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    1. Thank you Tim! I do appreciate all the sunny days we have have here!

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  2. They are beautiful, my favourite is number 7, that one is superb.

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  3. Hola Tammy, que preciosidad de blog y de fotos, un trabajo magnifico, te felicito y ya sabes que tienes otro seguidor más en el Sur de España. Un saludo.

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  4. Great shots of a super bird Tammy.
    I've seen Royal Terns a few times while staying on the island of Tobago, also in the company of a flock of very vocal Laughing Gulls. Closest we have here in the UK are probably Sandwich Terns.

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    1. Thanks Phil! Sandwich Terns look very similar; I haven't seen one here though. Thanks for visiting my blog.

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  5. Great shots of some wonderful birds. I remember the first time I ever saw these "punk rock" birds when I visited my brother in fort Myers back in 2003. Nice to see some again! Thanks for your visit to my blog!

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    1. Thank you Kathie! They do look like "punk rockers"! You have a great blog!

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  6. Tammy, tus fotos son especiales: esa luz, esos encuadres, esa nitidez..
    A mí me encantan.
    Saludos!!

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  7. Hola Tammy bonitas imagenes de esta ave.Un abrazo

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I greatly appreciate your comments!