Beautiful shot of a flying Sooty Tern on Eastern Island (00004825)
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Description: The Sooty Tern, scientifically known as Sterna fuscata oahuensis, is a fascinating resident of Eastern and Spit Island in the North Pacific. Approximately 50,000 pairs of these elegant birds nest on the islands. The female lays its single egg either in the sand or on the hard surface of the runway, a relic from World War II. These birds breed in large colonies and even stay on the sea continuously for up to three years after fledging. They are excellent hunters and often rest on driftwood or sleeping sea turtles on the ocean surface.
Location: Hawaiian Islands, Midway, USA
Date of Capture: 16.07.2001