Terns Engaging in “Fish Flight”

Photo I captured of California Least Terns in what is termed a “fish flight” over the Bolsa Chica Ecological Preserve Wetlands near Sunset Beach, California. Typically, the male terns engage in a showy aerial competition, darting straight down into the water after the same fish. The winner then takes the prize back to its mate, at least sometimes, especially during mating season, no doubt saying “Look at the fat fish I snagged for you today, honey!” These terns were intensely focused on locating and diving for the next fish, and I was lucky to catch a still shot of these quickly darting birds. The white/black contrast of the birds against the blue water of the bay made for an especially vivid image. Unfortunately, global warming and habitat encroachment led to this magnificent species being in danger of extinction during the 1970s and has only recently recovered to “threatened” status. There may well come a time in the foreseeable future when, like so many other species, they are so rare or extinct that photos may be the only evidence we have of these beautiful birds. In the U.S., meanwhile, we have a president who regards these scientifically validated issues as a hoax, and who promotes continued use of fossil fuels as well as corporate development of wildlife habitats.

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