Feathered Action: Tern v. Gull

My last post was about two of our summer resident birds peacefully sharing a beach breeding area. Not all is peaceful on the beach though. Least Terns (and Plovers) do not like having Great Black-backed Gulls in the area. The terns will harass any gull flying over the nesting grounds. Great Black-backed Gulls and other gulls are not shy about snatching chicks if given a chance. And Least Terns are not shy about diving at a much larger gull like this juvenile.

6 thoughts on “Feathered Action: Tern v. Gull

  1. I’m always amazed at how tiny birds will go after bigger ones to protect their young. Watching blackbirds chase red-tailed hawks, for example. They can be very persistent, too.

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    1. The smaller birds can’t do much damage but they are usually too quick for the larger bird and just annoy it until it leaves the area. I did see a mixed mob of birds harassing a Barred Owl. It left but unfortunately it was carrying a Blue Jay who was just a little bit too slow.

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