Bird Watching: "On the Waterfront" - Part 6, 1 by linthicum

linthicum wrote:
Thanks pelle, duc & rose.

Each Spring & Summer, this area is fortunate to also have the 'Least Tern'. The Least Tern is the smallest of the Terns, about 9" in length and is listed as a "threatened specie" in Maryland. The pressures of growth and development in Maryland have resulted in a scarcity of high quality natural sites and Least Terns now frequently nest at "unnatural" locations such as building roofs, dredged material islands, and areas graded just prior to development. The habitat here at Swan Creek fits this definition perfectly of an unnatural location. I also know of a nearby location where they return each year and nest on the rooftop of an industrial building.

They are a joy to watch as they dive into the water and It is virtually impossible to follow them into the water with a camera. And, they are an almost equal challenge to follow their flight in the air.

But, here are two photos of the 'Least Tern'.