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.
Herb
#1-5 the head terning foreplay
Jul 26, 2014 at 01:03 PM
Previous versions of Herb Houghton's message #12487508 « Mating Least Terns »
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. 