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Forster's Tern
Sterna forsteri
The Forster's Tern (Sterna forsteri) is a widespread species across much of North America. The species winters on both the east and west coasts of the United States as well as the Gulf Coast. It may sometimes be found in winter on fresh-water reservoirs as well. The first four images were taken at Texas City, Galveston Co., Texas, in February, 2005, with a Canon EOS 1D Mark II and EF 600mm F/4 L IS lens and 1.4X extender. The bird with the dark bill is an immature. Scroll down for other images.
The shot at right and the next two images below show basic plumaged Forster's Terns much like the Texas City shots above. These three images were taken on Sanibel Island, Lee Co., Florida, in November, 2006. The shots were taken with a Canon EOS 1D Mark II and EF 500mm F/4 L IS lens and 1.4X extender.
The shot at right, another basic plumaged Forster's Tern, was taken along the Quintana Jetty in Brazoria Co., Texas in December, 2006 with a Canon EOS 1D Mark II and EF 500mm F/4 L IS lens and 1.4X extender.
The next two shots show a breeding plumaged Forster's Tern in flight at Benton Lake N.W.R., Cascade Co., Montana, in June, 2007. These shots were taken with a Canon EOS 1D Mark II and EF 500mm F/4 L IS lens and 1.4X extender.
The next 7 shots show another breeding plumaged Forester's Tern, but this individual was at Medicine Lake N.W.R., Sheridan Co., Montana, also in June, 2007. These images were taken with the same equipment as the shots just above.
The next 9 shots of basic plumaged (winter) Forster's Terns in flight were taken at Bolivar Flats, Galveston Co., Texas, in November, 2009, with a Canon EOS 1D Mark III and an EF 800mm F/5.6 L IS lens.
The tern shown here is flying over a body of water and looking for a fish to go after.
Spotting a potential target, the tern hovers momentarily to get a bead on its intended meal.
Success! Small fish in bill, the tern takes after catching lunch.
Another Forster's Tern starting a dive toward the water.
Another Forster's Tern, staring downward. In this shot of a hovering tern, only the tip of the bird's bill can be seen under the flapping wing.
The Forster's Tern in basic plumage shown here was standing on the Gulf Beach, Port Aransas, Nueces Co., Texas, in February, 2010. This shot was taken with a Canon EOS 50D and an EF 800mm F/5.6 L IS lens.