White-fronted terns – Limited Edition Photo Fine Art Print

During breeding season, the Waikanae sandspit transforms into a bustling, windswept theatre of feathers and sound. The white-fronted terns | tara gather by the hundreds, all facing into the wind like synchronised dancers, poised and waiting for the perfect moment to launch into the air. Their mission: to dive into the sea and return with shimmering morsels of fish for their hungry chicks.

From a distance, it looks like organised chaos; birds lifting off in waves, others returning with silver prizes clutched in their beaks. But beneath the flurry lies a delicate choreography. Each adult must navigate the noisy crowd and somehow locate their chick among a sea of identical fluff and squawks. It seems impossible. Yet, the chicks know. As soon as a parent approaches, their voice rises above the din in a distinctive call, a beacon that guides the adult home.

Of course, not everything goes smoothly. Mistaken identities are common, and territorial squabbles break out as birds defend their patch of sand. But amidst the confusion, there’s fierce devotion. One parent always stands guard, vigilant and ready to fend off any intruder who dares stray too close to their precious chick.

It’s a scene of resilience and instinct, of noise and nurture. And if you stand quietly at the edge of it all, you’ll witness a remarkable sight of these beautiful sea birds.

Tara in full combat mode as it defends its young – Waikanae Sandspit

• ƒ/6.3
• 1/3200
• ISO 250
• EV 0
• FL 363 mm

Waikanae beach , New Zealand

White-fronted terns – Claim Before The Storm

Limited Edition Photo ~ By Tony Stoddard

Medium Print:

Paper Size (A2) 420 x 594mm
Edition Number 15
*Unframed

Fine Art Print

Each limited-edition photo fine art print is signed and numbered.

Photos are archival pigment prints on Fine Art Smooth Cotton Rag 330gsm. Professionally printed by: Print Art – Fine Art Imaging