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<\/a><\/p>\nBoth Parents Attending ToThe Chick and One Egg<\/p>\n
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Parent Arriving BackTo The Nest<\/p>\n \n ALeast Tern Defending Its Nest From AGhostCrab<\/p>\n \n
Rather close to where I live there is an area that least terns return to eachApril-Mayto nest. They are a small shorebird with a wingspan of 22-24 cm long. Their nesting coloniesappear along marine or estuarine shores, and are not dense. The nests arejust smallindentations in the sand. Because of the way they nest, the colonies are susceptible to predators, such as gulls, feral cats and ghost crabs. Also, in Florida, their colonies have been disturbed by tropical storms. Thecourtship ritural starts by the male bringing the female a fish, which if the female accepts, gives the male the ok to mate with her. The clutch usual includes 2-3 eggs. As I have observed, both parents appear to feed and attend to the brooding and feeding. I try and take advantage of every opportunity to go to this colony and capture these lovely birds.<\/p>\n
Courtship<\/p>\n
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Both Parents Attending ToThe Chick and One Egg<\/p>\n \n Parent Arriving BackTo The Nest<\/p>\n \n ALeast Tern Defending Its Nest From AGhostCrab<\/p>\n \n