Sandy Point - Least Terns - August 04, 2011

Several hours at Sandy Point State Reservation at the southern tip of the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge in Ipswich, MA yesterday found Least Terns, in all stages of growth from eggs to adults, to be both plentiful and most cooperative subjects.

From adults flying by.

To young running along the beach with some almost ready to fly.

and others just off of the nest.

It was a fun filled, almost fall like morning with the most Least Terns I've seen to date on this spit of sand that sticks out into Ipswich Bay. Several adults were still sitting on eggs, certainly 2nd attempts at nesting this season.

While others were standing by after delivering food to a youngster.

Also plentiful, with one pair nesting at Sandy Point this year but most coming from offshore islands to the north, were Common Tern chicks in various stages of growth. This youngster is very recently off of the nest.