Terns are in the same family as gulls, Laridae, but in a separate subfamily, Sterninae. Generally smaller than gulls, with straight pointed bill, relatively long and narrow wings and short legs. Most species feed exclusively on small fish captured by plunge-diving head-first from the air into the water often beginning in a hovering position. (Sibley Birds)

While working as a naturalist on Antarctic cruises, I became familiar with Antarctic Terns.

Amazingly, some Arctic Terns fly all the way to the Antarctic to spend January, February and March (Antarctic summer).

In the Toronto area, we see many Common Terns in the warmer months.

Caspian Terns are also present.

I have never seen a Black Tern in the Toronto area but used to see them in Tiny Marsh near Wasaga Beach. Not in recent years however.

So it was exciting to see one over a wetland in Prince Edward County.

Black Terns are usually in small groups and feed on small fish insects and other aquatic prey. Unlike most terns, they do not frequently plunge-dive but catch their prey while in flight.

NATURE POETRY

How softly runs the afternoon
Beneath the billowy clouds of June!     – Charles Hanson Towne (1877-1949)

Miles Hearn