Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Pic of the Day

Sandwich Tern, Thalasseus sandvicensis:
Fort Desoto State Park, Florida

       I shot this image on the shoreline of North Beach at Fort DeSoto State Park, Florida.  Royal, Forester, and Sandwich Terns were busy driving for fish and what a challenge they were to shoot with a long lens.
     Terns are fast flying and panning with the birds close to the shore was very difficult.  Locking on the head of bird is not easy, but when it happens, the track focusing kicks in and works like a charm.  I took a ton of photos and many were out of focus, or just not quite there.  This is one that worked, as I caught the tern diving toward the water.
     Though I see Sandwich Terns on most of my trips to Florida, they are currently considered as uncommon.  It is believed that this species went through a serious decline in the late 1800's when eggs were harvested from many colonies.

For more info on Sandwich Terns go to:  http://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/sandwich-tern

Nikon D800, Nikkor 500mm f/4, 1/3200 second @ f/9



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