Hidden behind my camera in the early morning light, I tracked a common tern darting across the sky. Its effortless hovering brought it tantalizingly close, letting me capture crisp portraits of its sleek form. Then, in a breathtaking moment, it plunged straight down and emerged clutching a glittering fish. The tern performed a triumphant circuit overhead, gave a quick shake to shed water droplets, and flashed its catch in a brief show-and-tell before disappearing into the horizon. Moments like these highlight the beauty and precision of a master fisher at work—proof of the vital role terns play in vibrant wetland habitats.

Interesting Facts
Often called the “sea swallow,” common terns are long-distance migrants, traveling thousands of miles each year. Their agility in flight helps them expertly hover before diving for fish just below the surface. By controlling small fish populations, they help maintain the ecological balance of wetlands, which also provide nesting and feeding grounds for countless other species.