Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea)

With its long tail streamers and general shape the Arctic tern deserves the local name of 'sea swallow'. Appearing white with a black cap, it is largely coastal although it can be seen inland on migration. It depends on a healthy marine environment and some colonies have been affected by fish shortages. Arctic terns are the ultimate long distance migrants - summer visitors to the UK and winter visitors to the Antarctic.

The top two photographs show the bird hovering above my head.

Really it shows the birds pausing a while as they prepare to 'dive bomb' me one more time. The Terns nest very close to the many boardwalks around the island and are prepared to defend the nest against anything or anyone who gets too close.

If you are lucky they strike out and peck your head, if you are unlucky they attack with their other end and leave you smelly for the rest of the day! 

Photograph No. 3 shows the bird on its nest. A simple affair, on the ground and in this case in grass close to the footpath.

The last image shows the Tern sitting on a fence post having a resting before going back out to sea to fish. Once the chicks hatch both parents constantly take turns to fish or defend the nest, or keep an eye on the chicks as they don't believe in staying put!

All of the images were taken on the Farne islands off the Northumberland coast. Several Boat trips leave Seahouses harbour daily and land on the islands which are managed by the National Trust.