Least Tern Babies!!

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A few weeks after Taking Turns Making Terns, I returned to the colony with the hopes of seeing cute babies. I found them! I spent the morning lying quietly on my stomach, observing them from my safe distance of my long camera lens.

Least Tern Chick
Least Tern Chick

I think this baby was 3 or 4 days old. He grew up to be the first banded Least Tern on this beach, nicknamed “Tribble.” He and his brother spent the morning hanging out in these beach grasses. Periodically Mom and Dad would fly in and bring a fish for breakfast.

Least Tern Feeding Babies
Least Tern Feeding Babies

It’s very exciting when the food comes in. Babies who have been napping for an hour hear the calls of Mom and Dad and go running to greet them…

Least Tern Chick
Least Tern Chick

I don’t know how the adults always fly in to the right chick, but they do!

Cleared for Landing (Least Tern Feeding Chick)
Cleared for Landing (Least Tern Feeding Chick)

It was a beautiful morning. Before I left, a pair of adult terns began a mating ritual, so I’m pretty sure there will be more cute little babies running around this beach soon!

Least Tern Fish Offering
Least Tern Fish Offering

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