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Arctic Tern
Sterna paradisaea
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As I watched Itigak in flight, I became aware that his flying ability was exceptional, even among arctic terns it was exceptional. Or did it just seem exceptional because I could single him out and knew him from the year before? I don't think so.
Anyway, when he dived to scoop up an insect from the mirrored surface, I noted the way he turned to rise with a single sweep of his wings, carrying him several feet above the water before the second stroke of his gull-like wings began their seemingly lazy beat which carried him high above the lake.
The other terns took two strokes on their initial rise but Itigak only took one. He banked more steeply, giving a sense of assurance that he in the air he was master.
In my mind there was no doubt that Itigak was an exceptional bird among exceptional birds.
From Koviashuvik - Making a Home in the Brooks Range by Sam Wright.
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Focal length: 400 mm
fStop: 5.6
ISO: 400
Shutter Speed: 1/1600
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Anchorage, AK - Potter Marsh
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Jun 3, 2006
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