As per my usual, I do more shooting then processing. These shots are from a month ago. This is a least tern courtship. Unlike the black skimmers where the male presents the fish to the female and copulation usually begins immediately, the least terns tease each other first. The male doesn't give up the fish until he's sure it's going to happen for sure. Prior to the actual act, the male and female alternately turn their heads back and forth opposite like and then the same direction in a quick symmetrical way until both are ready and then it happens. The head turning behavior is visible in the first 5 frames. The male usually inches up into position while this happens too. Out of 50+ shots in this specific series, I chose 20 images to edit and post here. From the first shot to the last shot encompassed only 15 seconds of time.
That's a great series Herb showing the interesting relationship between the two. Bringing food and showing its ability to provide for its mate and probably offspring must be very sexy....
I share you shooting v processing issues...I've got stuff from years ago I've never looked at...makes rainy days tolerable.
Eric
tfoltz wrote:
Excellent Herb, this year we were way low on the Least Terns plus we have to shoot
through a chain link fence. These are great.
-Tim
Hi Tim, thanks for the reply. The least terns failed nesting at many other locations. Apparently, they regrouped and chose to nest with the skimmers this year.
Prior to the actual act, the male and female alternately turn their heads back and forth opposite like and then the same direction in a quick symmetrical way until both are ready and then it happens. The head turning behavior is visible in the first 5 frames. The male usually inches up into position while this happens too. Out of 50+ shots in this specific series, I chose 20 images to edit and post here. From the first shot to the last shot encompassed only 15 seconds of time. 
