Least Terns Mating Ritual, Cape May, New Jersey
Valentines come in many forms — for some a box of chocolates, for others a salty fish. This male least tern is presenting a gift to the female. Acceptance of the gift means acceptance of the mate. In this case, she accepted, and, well… let’s just say that a lot happens on a least tern’s first date.
Nikon D300 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 400mm) ISO 200, f/6.3 at 1/1600th of a second