Arctic Tern
The Arctic Tern is one of the most fascinating migratory birds in the world and hands down my favorite bird to watch. These graceful seabirds breed in the Arctic regions during the summer months, and then fly all the way to the Antarctic to spend the winter, covering a distance of up to 44,000 miles round-trip. This is the longest migration of any bird on the planet, and it is truly remarkable to think that these birds fly the equivalent of three times around the earth in a single year.
Arctic Terns have a distinctive appearance, with a sleek, streamlined body and a long, pointed tail. They have a wingspan of about 30 inches, and weigh only 3-4 ounces, making them one of the smallest birds that make such long journeys. These birds have a gray back and wings, a white underbelly, and a black cap on their head that extends down to their eyes. They have a red beak and feet, which are perfect for swimming in the cold waters of the Arctic and Antarctic regions. |
|
Arctic Terns are highly social birds, and they typically breed in large colonies on coastal islands in the Arctic. The birds form monogamous pairs during the breeding season, and both parents take turns incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks. The chicks are born covered in downy feathers, and they fledge after about four weeks. Once the chicks have fledged, the parents and their offspring begin their long journey to the southern hemisphere, where they spend the winter months feeding in the productive waters around Antarctica.
During their migration, Arctic Terns face numerous challenges, including navigating across vast stretches of ocean, avoiding predators, and finding suitable feeding grounds. They use a variety of cues to help them navigate, including the position of the sun and stars, the Earth's magnetic field, and even the polarized light in the sky. They are also able to detect the smell of land from great distances, which helps them locate the coastal areas where they breed and feed.
Arctic Terns are primarily fish-eaters, and they feed on a variety of small fish, crustaceans, and other marine organisms. They are often seen diving into the water from the air to catch their prey, and they can swim and dive with ease using their streamlined bodies and webbed feet. During the winter months, they feed on krill and other small organisms in the Antarctic waters.
The Arctic Tern is a fascinating and important species that is facing a number of threats in the modern world. Climate change, pollution, and overfishing are all affecting the birds' breeding and feeding grounds, and many colonies are in decline. Conservation efforts are underway to protect the Arctic Tern and its habitat, and it is important that we continue to work to ensure the survival of this remarkable bird.
Although they are more rare in Kachemak Bay than they are in Cook Inlet, we occasionally see a pair or family while on a cruise, and I always try to take a moment to appreciate this incredible creature and the epic journey it undertakes each year.
During their migration, Arctic Terns face numerous challenges, including navigating across vast stretches of ocean, avoiding predators, and finding suitable feeding grounds. They use a variety of cues to help them navigate, including the position of the sun and stars, the Earth's magnetic field, and even the polarized light in the sky. They are also able to detect the smell of land from great distances, which helps them locate the coastal areas where they breed and feed.
Arctic Terns are primarily fish-eaters, and they feed on a variety of small fish, crustaceans, and other marine organisms. They are often seen diving into the water from the air to catch their prey, and they can swim and dive with ease using their streamlined bodies and webbed feet. During the winter months, they feed on krill and other small organisms in the Antarctic waters.
The Arctic Tern is a fascinating and important species that is facing a number of threats in the modern world. Climate change, pollution, and overfishing are all affecting the birds' breeding and feeding grounds, and many colonies are in decline. Conservation efforts are underway to protect the Arctic Tern and its habitat, and it is important that we continue to work to ensure the survival of this remarkable bird.
Although they are more rare in Kachemak Bay than they are in Cook Inlet, we occasionally see a pair or family while on a cruise, and I always try to take a moment to appreciate this incredible creature and the epic journey it undertakes each year.