122 ) 



THE BLACK TERN. 



E. L. TURNER, h.m.b.o.u 



I PUT up a tent before the nest of a Black Tern [Hydyochdidon 

 n. nigra) on May 21st, and went straight into it. This is 

 contrary to my usual custom, as it is generally a waste of time. 

 But it rained and there was no other shelter on the flats. 



BLACK TERN. 



Covered with rain-drops. 

 {Photographed by E. L, Turner.) 



However, although the bird had only been sitting a day 

 or two, she returned at once, I made an exposure and she 

 flew away. She would not come back, though her mate 

 tried to drive her down after the manner of male Terns in 

 general. They are often very irate if the females are shy 

 of the camera, though not often willing to face the danger 

 themselves. At last both birds alighted a few yards from 

 the nest, sidled up near it, craned their necks and peeped at 

 the tent. They squawked a good deal. It looked as if the 



