Friday, July 18, 2008

Least Terns at Bolsa Chica


Friday afternoon I noticed a lot of activity in the nesting area north of the walkbridge. This little fledgling California Least Tern had been picking at debris on the ground, when it suddenly heard the call of one of its parents. It was obviously glad to hear from mom or dad as it was hungry!


Both parents feed the chicks, and the male and female adults look the same. Least terns are the smallest of the terns. The adults weigh around 55 grams. That's as much as 55 paperclips!


After being fed it settled down for a short nap, but flew off a few minutes later.