Aug 11
17
Birds of Florida, Sandwich Tern
There’s an elegant little bird with a peculiar name. When a Google searched failed to define the name’s history a quick check of my copy of Edward S. Gruson’s “Words for Birds” revealed that “Sandwich” is a “Latinized version of the English village where the first one was captured and scientifically documented”. Nothing to do with two slices of bread…More on this locally common tern and some thoughts on photographing them:
Their look-
With their bushy black crest and yellow tipped bill, this mid sized Tern is unmistakeable. Like most others in the family they’re covered in greys, whites and some black. Agile fliers you’ll also see them resting on navigation buoys off shore and in big mixed flocks along the beach. If you see a flock of conspicuous Royal Terns be sure to peer around for this one too.
Photography Tip-
As with similar species your two best tacts for taking good pictures will be to set up along the beach preferably early or late and shoot either portraits and or flight shots as observation enables you to anticipate the birds’ movements. Your other option and this is a favorite of mine is to take a boat and anchor up near active feeding areas- inlets, sandbars & cuts- spots where small baitfish are being pushed or trapped by the tide. Try a friend’s boat & you won’t have to trailer or wash it (something I’m still working on) 
Where are They-
Globally they’re up & down the Eastern seaboard over to Europe and South to Africa ( in case you’re travelling). Locally, the passes up on Sanibel & Captiva, Lover’s Key, Wiggins Pass, Clam Pass, Gordon Pass, Keewaydin Island, Marco and the outer islands will all hold terns. They’re quite photogenic and I in fact need a better photo myself- will you let me know if you do well with this one?
This Week’s Reader Contest Question-
For two points which Heron covered here begins life in one color phase and moults into a second by age 2 and what are those colors? Ultimately I’ll donate a 16×20 limited edition canvas print to the winner tallying the total most points or to a charity of their choice. Interested in learning to identify and photograph our birds of Florida on local field trips? Contact me for more info- Gordon.
Sandwich Terns, Wiggins Pass by Gordon Campbell www.swfloutdoorphotography.com.
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copyright 2011 Gordon Campbell/Southwest Florida Outdoor Photography.
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