Low and Slow…

A Black Skimmer digs a shallow hole in the sand, sometimes called a scrape, for its chick to get into. It is great camouflage and protection.
© 2025 Tina Horne Photo, LLC

It is difficult to put into words the scene before me.  The sun is just rising.  I am on the beach and it is chaotic and cacophonous. The birds are busy.  Common Terns fly overhead.  Black Skimmers fly straight towards me and veer off at the last second.  I continue to walk as I look for a spot to lay down in the sand and capture it all with my camera.  I am back in New York for the second summer in a row to continue photographing the shore birds that nest on the beach.  I see baby tern chicks not too far back from the rope that is up to protect the birds nesting area.  I slowly make my approach and lay down on my belly, still a little ways from the birds.  Once they are used to my presence, I drag myself closer using my elbows .  I settle in for the long haul, as I know the longer I am there, the more at ease the birds will be.  They will go about their day and will often walk right up to me, sometimes even too close for the lens to focus.  To me, that is one of the joys of wildlife photography.  To be let into their world, is such a privilege and one I do not take lightly. 

I laugh at the antics of the chicks.  My heart is full as I watch the love parents and babies share.  I photograph until the light is too harsh and then it is time to go.  

Black Skimmer chick
© 2025 Tina Horne Photo, LLC

Common Tern chick
© 2025 Tina Horne Photo, LLC

Photo Tips 

• Go low and slow when approaching.  I lay down at a bit of a distance and slowly crawl towards the birds, stopping every so often.

• When photographing birds on the ground, I like to lay on my belly.  Not only will the birds be more comfortable, but eye level captures are compelling.

• Be respectful and stay out of roped off areas.

• Do not chase the birds, rather let them come to you.

• Lastly, be patient and be in the moment.
  

Thank you for reading…

Tina