Royal Tern in Breeding Plumage

© Michael S. Lazarus

Royal Tern in Breeding Plumage

Uploaded: March 06, 2008

Description

f/9.0, 1/1250, 70-300mmVR@300mm, DSC_8718, 8:33AM, ISO 200, Exp Bias-0.33

This photograph of a Royal Tern on Miami's South Beach shows the bird's head in it's "breeding" plumage as the black feathers now extend all the way to the bright orange beak (see my Royal Tern Relaxing on South Beach for a comparison). The terns are almost as comfortable around people as the gulls out there (the gulls may literally walk up to you and eat out of your hand) and unlike the black skimmers who are more wary. Enjoy!



Exif: F Number: 9, Exposure Bias Value: -0.33, ExposureTime: 1/1250 seconds, Flash: did not fire., ISO: 200, White balance: Auto white balance, FocalLength: 300.00 mm, Model: NIKON D40

Comments

Eivor Kuchta March 06, 2008

What a beautiful portrait, Michael! The color of his beak is stunning, and the details in his feathers are perfect. #870828

Gail R. Schuett March 06, 2008

He certainly is a striking,looking bird.
Your detail and clarity are very well done.I just love contrasting colors of his beak,feathers and little black cap!! #5600864

isabel C. Zepeda level-classic March 06, 2008

Michael.
This is a beautifull close up of the skimmers, love the brite color of the beack, AMEZING.
Good photo like always.
Ysa #5601388

Tiia Vissak March 06, 2008

cute! #5602419

Eva Pastor March 06, 2008

Beautiful portrait of this Royal Tern. What a fitting name for the species! #5603985

Michael S. Lazarus March 10, 2008

Thank you Eivor, Gail, Isabel, Tiia, and Eva for your lovely comments for this image. I really enjoy reading them and what you have to say. #5620801

Kristy A. Keene March 10, 2008

Great Capture! #5621179

Michael S. Lazarus March 10, 2008

Thanks Kristy for your comment. #5621225

Donna La Mattino Pagakis March 12, 2008

Excellent Michael, great details! The orange beak really stands out, what a beautiful bird! #5633310

Michael S. Lazarus March 13, 2008

Donna, Thank you so much for your comment.

I also just noticed the new EP here tonight. It had been a week since I uploaded this photograph so I figured the chance for an EP was getting slim for this guy. Guess the judges are running behind.......... Thank you everybody for your support with this one! #5639539

isabel C. Zepeda level-classic March 13, 2008

Michael.
Congratulation on another EP,Well done.
Ysa #5639766

Shelly A. Van Camp level-classic April 12, 2008

Great capture! #5779003

Candice L. Carter May 07, 2008

Excellent head shot! Brillantly bright colors! #5897270

Kathy L. Clark May 10, 2008

This is such a gorgeous image of this fabulous bird Michael. Wonderful color and detail. #5907597

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