Common Tern (adult + juveniles)
Common Tern / sterna hirundo. Straws Bridge, Derbyshire. 12/08/22.
'A VIGILANT MOTHER.'
The two (out of focus) juvenile Common Terns had recently fledged from the tern raft. They had flown to the far edge of the lake where they gained a new perspective on life and struggled in the blistering heatwave conditions.
The female parent stayed vigilant, always remaining near to them and ready to see off any other birds that strayed too close. Her mate flew in and settled twice briefly. I think he was trying to encourage the youngsters to fly after him - though he had no luck whilst I was there!
Great to watch this family, particularly since the pair were birds I'd photographed last year and whose breeding attempt had failed miserably.
Common Tern (adult + juveniles)
Common Tern / sterna hirundo. Straws Bridge, Derbyshire. 12/08/22.
'A VIGILANT MOTHER.'
The two (out of focus) juvenile Common Terns had recently fledged from the tern raft. They had flown to the far edge of the lake where they gained a new perspective on life and struggled in the blistering heatwave conditions.
The female parent stayed vigilant, always remaining near to them and ready to see off any other birds that strayed too close. Her mate flew in and settled twice briefly. I think he was trying to encourage the youngsters to fly after him - though he had no luck whilst I was there!
Great to watch this family, particularly since the pair were birds I'd photographed last year and whose breeding attempt had failed miserably.