Sea Swallows

Common Terns are a more common sight these summer weeks, especially on both west and east ends of the Island.
Step lightly along well worn boulders at Race Point, and bring your binoculars to watch these sea birds hover across rip tides and then dive- plunge to feed on small fish.

Observing Common Terns “working” usually hints at bigger fish stories waiting to be told by fishermen off shore.

Terns aren’t too picky when it comes to nesting on the ground-a pile of dead vegetation or nothing at all, but islands, marshes even lake shores are desirable habitats.

Breeding adults are “brighter” to spot with black cap, orange-red legs and a red bill. Juvenile birds display a dull and duskier plumage of brown, ginger and gray.

  Note the Tern’s long fork-like tail that had ancient sailors calling the Common Tern a “Sea Swallow”.