SUMMARY
The photographer recounts their evolving fascination with photographing the Arctic tern, beginning with early attempts in the Shetland Islands and Iceland, culminating in dedicated expeditions to Svalbard. The article details the bird's remarkable aerodynamic efficiency, its annual migration of up to 50,000 miles to the Antarctic and back, and its nesting and chick-rearing processes. It also touches on the tern's fierce territorial defense, offering a personal anecdote about being dive-bombed while photographing the birds, and emphasizes the importance of respecting their space.
TAKEAWAYS
Arctic terns undertake the longest migration in the animal kingdom, traveling up to 50,000 miles annually.
Photographing nesting terns requires careful observation of their behavior to avoid disturbing them.
Arctic terns are known for their aggressive defense of nesting territories.
Juvenile terns spend their first year at sea before returning to their native colonies.