“Mom, pay attention. I’m hungry.”
“I said stop ignoring me and get me some fish or I’ll throw a big tantrum.”
“Oh brother, are they flirting?” says the juvenile sandwich tern in the back.
“We are family!”
“Make room for me!”
“Dad, mom said for me to tell you to go get me some fish.”
“Please!!!” says the juvenile on the right.
“Can we get some peace and quiet around here?”
“Here comes a dog. We’re outta here.”
The beach wasn’t covered with shorebirds since it was sunny when I got to Gandy beach after work. There was still a few people out walking around and swimming. I did manage to see a small flock of sandwich terns hanging out together. They were busy preening and bathing and wasn’t paying much attention to me sitting in the car. You would think a lot of drama was going on by the way they were yelling at each other. There were a few baby terns from this spring but now they are as big as the adults. Their beaks and legs aren’t as black as the adults yet. They can fly but I think they are still being fed by the parents. Soon, most of them will be gone heading south with the other migraters.
Liked your soap opera. Nice to see these birds up close.
It is always fun when the guys get together.
A wonderful post…
What an animated bunch!
Interesting documentation of their behavior. Nice to see they are flourishing.
Fun commentary.
Funny! I like how it seems they have balding heads with the fluff in the back that stands up!
You have me laughing so hard (and I forgive you for that earworm … I swear I can hear that family of birds singing and discoing away). I always think its so cute and funny when birds get to that stage where they’re about as big as their parents and still begging food (and getting it).