Date: 4/28/26 8:35 am From: LaBarr, Mark <00000cd429018fe6-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] Common tern behavior
Hi Jared,
I saw a couple commons in that area driving. They are just getting bask. They do a fun courtship dance with fish on display when they are on territory. The female picks her mate based on the size and quantity they bring to her. He does a lot of feeding of the young chicks.
Mark
-----Original Message-----
From: Vermont Birds <VTBIRD...> On Behalf Of Jared Katz
Sent: Tuesday, April 28, 2026 10:00 AM
To: <VTBIRD...>
Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] Common tern behavior
Mark,
Thank you for the information. I made the assumption but appreciate the affirmation. As for the species, I believe these were common terns, but strangely for me did not take a single photo.
Jared Katz
Richmond, VT 05477
> On Apr 28, 2026, at 9:37 AM, LaBarr, Mark <00000cd429018fe6-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
> Hey Chris,
> I've been working with Lake Champlain Common Terns for a number of years now. Courtship feeding and courtship flights are part of their breeding behavior. I was out at Popasquash Island, the largest tern colony on the lake, and had a couple commons around but they hadn't started setting up nesting territories on the island yet. I did have more than 80 Caspian Terns on the island. A new species for Popasquash these past couple of years. The Caspian Terns and Ring-billed Gulls were initiating clutches. Commons show up a little later.
>
> Mark
>
> Mark LaBarr
> Audubon Vermont
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vermont Birds <VTBIRD...> On Behalf Of Jared Katz
> Sent: Tuesday, April 28, 2026 9:25 AM
> To: <VTBIRD...>
> Subject: [VTBIRD] Common tern behavior
>
> Yesterday, off South Hero, I watched several common terns standing on the dock. One flew off and moments later, returned with a small fish. When it landed next to another tern, it passed the fish to that one. The recipient sat for a moment, then flew off over the lake, where it dipped down to the water and lit on the lake, dipping its head beneath the surface. When it re-emerged I could not see a fish anymore. It flew off circled and dipped its bill in the lake a few times before reuniting with the gift giver. I had never observed it before but presume it is some sort of courtship behavior. I’m see food sharing with cardinals, but had never with terns. Is this a common phenomenon in other birders’ experiences?
>
> Jared Katz
> Richmond and South Hero
>
> Sent from my irresistible flat thing.
