Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

20th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Least tern, Sterna antillarum, protecting a newly hatched chick

The Least Tern is the smallest member of the gull and tern family. A very small population of them nests along the coast of Maine. Because these beaches are frequented by people as well as dogs, many (most) of their nesting sites are fenced off and protected - often monitored by biologists in order to maximize breeding success. This pair of terns successfully raised 2 chicks - and I followed them from the start of mating season through until chick fledging, photographing their progress along the way.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 07.2022
Date Uploaded: 11.2022
Photo Location: Wells, Maine, United States of America
Camera: Canon EOS 90D
Copyright: © Sandra Mitchell