Common or Caspian Tern?

[Conrad Arellano]

I still have difficulty identifying between the two but it's always fun watching these birds do fishing. Their agility and sometimes unpredictable flight pattern makes a great challenge in one's photography BIF skills.

7D, f7.1, 1/1000s, ISO400, 400mm


7D, f7.1, 1/1000s, ISO400, 400mm


1D2, f6.3, 1/2500s, ISO640, 400mm


1D2, f7.1, 1/2000s, ISO640, 400mm

[Bob Kaufman]

Fabulous flight shots, Conrad!
If I may take a guess, the first two are Common Terns (note the black at the tip of the bill) while photos 3 and 4 are Caspian (no black at the bill tip and also the legs are dark-colored).

[Ariel Matias]

WOW!!!! These shots are really impressive!!!

[Ely Teehankee]

Those are beautiful BIF. I like the last one best of all with the fish on its beak. Its a story by itself. Well done Conrad. Mabuhay.

[Conrad Arellano]

Thanks guys for all your positive comments, it's well appreciated. Cheers