We were standing on Union Quay in North Shields this afternoon (after an excellent fish and chip lunch in the Waterfront), watching a ship move off from its mooring on the quayside. The ship's bow-thrusters churned up the water and several small, silvery fish came floating to the surface. Almost instantly, seemingly from nowhere, terns arrived .....
....spotted the fish ....
..... hovered for a second or two ...
... rolled into a dive ....
.... splashed down (pity this wasn't sharper)
... and made off with the spoils.
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That's the fish, then - but where do they get their chips Phil? Great sequence of shots!
ReplyDeleteAn excellent series of shots Phil. I'm glad you enjoyed your fish too:-) I recommend the fish and chip shop at Seaton Sluice as well. Cheers Brian.
ReplyDeleteI was wondering about the chips too:) Wonderful shots- fit to be in a book.
ReplyDeleteGreat action sequence Phil.
ReplyDeleteTheir success rate is pretty high at catching them too.
Excellent series.........I can watch Terns for ages.
ReplyDeleteGraceful birds perfectly caught. Marvellous shots Phil. I fancy some fish now.
ReplyDeleteAll the species of Terns are absolutely superb. I played around North Shields Fish Quay and surrounding area as a child and it was always a great adventure. So many places to explore. Not quite the same now but i always enjoy a visit............even without the fish supper!
ReplyDeleteHi Rob., They're wonderfully graceful birds Rob - no wonder they call them sea butterflies..
ReplyDeleteHi Brian, I'll try out the Seaton Sluice chippy Brian - thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi lotusleaf, beautiful birds, aren't they?
ReplyDeleteHi Keith, it amazes me how far they submerge themselves...
ReplyDeleteHi Adrian, amazing how long their wings are when fully outstretched isn't it?.... no wonder their flight is so buoyant...
ReplyDeleteHi Toffeeapple, I can recommend the cod and chips at the Waterfront....
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean John, it's one of my favourite places (being keen on ships as well as wildlife)
ReplyDeleteLovely sequence of shots; I especially like the second picture. Terns are such amazing graceful birds.
ReplyDeleteCouldn't agree more about their natural grace swanscot - they seem to float in the air..
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous sequence.
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