Taking the Plunge – The Caspian Tern

Caspian Tern with fish

The west wind was strong enough to move sand along the beach. And, the sun was in the western sky. The combination of these two factors led me to look for bird-in-flight photo opportunities. I found Caspian Terns fishing at Drakes Beach.

The Caspian Tern is the largest tern in the world. It feeds by hovering over water bodies and plunging into the water to catch fish. It is a common summer resident here in Point Reyes.

Caspian Tern hovering
A strong head-wind allows the Caspian Tern to hover in place while looking for fish below. Sony a9 + 100-400mm lens @ 560mm, ISO 400, f/8, 1/2000s. ©Stanley Buman. All Rights Reserved.
Caspian Tern diving
Upon spotting a fish, the Caspian Tern dives after its prey.  Sony a9 + 100-400mm lens @ 560mm, ISO 400, f/8, 1/2000s.  ©Stanley Buman. All Rights Reserved.
Caspian Tern in the water
The Caspian Tern plunges into the water in pursuit of the fish.  Sony a9 + 100-400mm lens @ 560mm, ISO 400, f/8, 1/2000s.  ©Stanley Buman. All Rights Reserved.
Caspian Tern with fish
This Caspian Tern had a successful dive and emerges with a fish. Sony a9 + 100-400mm lens @ 560mm, ISO 400, f/8, 1/2000s. ©Stanley Buman. All Rights Reserved.
Caspian Tern with fish shaking off water
After emerging from the water, the Caspian Tern does a “mid-air” shake to dispense of water clinging to its feathers.  Sony a9 + 100-400mm lens @ 560mm, ISO 400, f/8, 1/2000s. ©Stanley Buman. All Rights Reserved.

 

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