Monday 15 June 2009

When Terns Attack

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The Farne Islands, off the Northumberland coast , are a haven in the summer months for 100,000 pairs of nesting seabirds like puffin and guillemot as well as being home to one of Europe's largest grey seal colonies . The Inner Farne, where this picture was taken provides shelter for the Arctic Tern , a remarkable creature which migrates every year from its its northern breeding grounds to the Antarctic ocean and back , a journey of around 24,000 miles each year, the longest regular migration by any known animal.
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Arctic Terns can live for up to 30 years, they mate for life and are fiercely protective of their young. They attack humans and any predators that stray near their eggs or chicks, as can be seen from these pictures taken on Saturday.
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2 comments:

  1. Amazing images - good thing you were wearing a hat :-)

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  2. thanks Michael; I always appreciate your feedback; Terns beaks are so sharp they can draw blood if you don't wear a hat

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