August 1: Fishing Antarctic Terns

Watching these skilful little fishers, dart fleetingly between the breaking swells is a joy.



Darting before the breaking waves. Photo: Jacque Comery



Juvenile Tern. Photo: Jacque Comery

Looking for fish. Photo: Jacque Comery



In flight: Photo: Jacque Comery

July 13: Snowy Antarctic Terns

The Antarctic Terns were not deterred by snows on station, rather they seemed to take advantage of the excellent camouflage it offered them, whilst they rested up after recent storms. They all sit facing into the wind, nestled down into hollows in the snow. We more often see them flying about, and they are most elegant in flight, zipping over the tops of the cresting waves. They are fast and very manoeuvrable, so I have found it a rare pleasure to be able to photograph them whilst they sit still!
When these guys are in breeding plumage their little black caps will be all filled in. New caps to impress the ladies!


Ready for take off. Photo: Jacque Comery

 

Antarctic Terns on the snowy beach front. Photo: Jacque Comery

Facing into the wind, and acting invisible. Photo: Jacque Comery

July 3: Antarctic Terns!

Antarctic Terns, Sterna vittata are one of the breeding species that we have here at Macquarie Island.

http://www.antarctica.gov.au/about-antarctica/wildlife/animals/flying-birds/antarctic-tern

Antarctic Terns. Photo: Jacque Comery

Photographing the Terns. Photo: Andrea Turbett

Take off. Photo: Jacque Comery

Juvenile plumage. Photo: Jacque Comery

Antarctic Tern. Photo: Jacque Comery

June 23: Low flying birds

On windy days (so essentially everyday!), the sea birds perform low flying maneuverers over Station. You feel as if by stretching up high enough you could touch their bellies on the way past.
Whilst flying into the headwind slows them down, they are still evading my lens! At least I have 9 months to practice.

Kelp Gull on West Beach. Photo: Jacque Comery

Antarctic Tern on West Beach. Photo: Jacque Comery



A Giant Petrel flies low over the Isthmus. Photo: Jacque Comery





Feisty Giant Petrel in flight. Photo: Jacque Comery