An Arctic Tern, Sterna paradisaea, calling while hovering in mid-air against a clear, blue sky.
Photographed on Inner Farne island, one of the Farne Islands off the coast of Northumberland in North-east England, which can be accessed, weather permitting, by boats leaving from the coastal village of Seahouses.
There are Arctic Terns breeding on many areas of the island. The parent birds are naturally protective of their eggs and chicks, so walking on many parts of the small island is ‘running the gauntlet’ of parent birds pecking potential marauders – take care of your head! Hold a tripod or (closed) umbrella or stick above your head, and the birds will hit the highest point, or wave your hand above your head – their beaks are sharp and can draw blood!
Arctic Terns can be distinguished from the very-similar Common Terns by having totally red bills: Common Terns have dark tips to their beaks.
Arctic Terns hold the world record for the longest migration distance of all birds. One Farne Islands bird fitted with a tracking device was recorded as having travelled almost 60,000 miles to Antarctica and back.
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