The Arctic Tern migration is quite an impressive journey considering that they fly almost from Pole to Pole, covering up to 10,000 miles each way.

In the Spring, Arctic Terns migrate North to their breeding grounds (shown in red on the migration map).
In early Fall, they fly back South to the Antarctic region where they spend the Winter (blue).

Arctic Terns have compassion too: the female Tern in the water, which had just been attacked by a Gull, was about to drown ...

The whole series of pictures taken during the event reveals an extraordinary display of love and heroism from this pair of Arctic Terns. The injured Tern’s mate rushed to her rescue by repeatedly trying to pull her out of the water using his beak.
Click to see the Arctic Tern Rescue. >

Shortly after the long Spring migration and reaching their breeding grounds, Arctic Terns only have a few weeks to build their nest and raise their chicks.

Arctic Tern Nest

Arctic Terns usually lay 1 to 3 eggs. Colored with dark brown spots, Tern eggs are well camouflaged and rest in a small depression directly on the ground. Parents take turn incubating the delicate eggs. After approximately 3 weeks of incubation, the eggs finally hatch.

Above Left: Arctic Tern parent keeps its chick warm under the protection of its wing.

In a race against time, Arctic Terns are busy starting a new family. Adult Terns only have a few short months to raise their chicks before they all have to start their long migration to the South Pole.

During courtship, the male Tern brings a fish to the female as an offering.

There isn't a moment to spare. Soon after, there will be a few chicks to feed.

During courtship, one of the partners brings a fish and initiates a love dance.

This Arctic Tern has 2 hungry chicks to feed this summer. With a small fish in its beak, the Tern feeds the chicks all while hovering above them.

Left: The Arctic Tern twins are fighting over a tiny fish. Sibling rivalry is inevitable ...

Raising twin chicks is a full time job, requiring the attention of both parents.

This young Arctic Tern is learning the hard way how to eat a Dragonfly. It's tougher than it looks when your meal is fighting back at you with its long legs. It took a while, but in the end, the Dragonfly ended up in the Tern's stomach.

This young Arctic Tern is testing its new wings and discovers the joy of flying. But it's early July and the fall migration is fast approaching. Before the summer is over, the chick needs to gain enough strength to undertake the 12,000 mile journey south to the wintering grounds of Antarctica.

No Trespassing Allowed: Arctic Terns are very territorial birds and will not tolerate any strangers. In this scene, a chick from another couple wandered too close to the neighbour's property. The helpless chick learned a painful lesson.

Click to see this Arctic Tern Attack. >

Arctic Terns are seen in close contact in the air. Is it an embrace or a fight?

Arctic Tern parent is bringing a fish, but it's a little too big for the small chick.

A Tern chick bathing in the sun. A Tern skimming the surface of the water. A Sandpiper whispering to his new friend. An Arctic Tern ballet dancer, and a chick jumping in the air. That's life as usual in the marshes of Alaska during the summer ...

A peaceful moment with an Arctic Tern and chick in this tender scene...

This duck is trespassing on the Arctic Tern's property.

Arctic Tern is not afraid of Mewgulls either.

Alaska is a heaven for migratory birds. Hundreds of Arctic Terns come every year to the marsh in late Spring. Arctic Terns, like Trumpeter Swans and Red Necked Grebes, mate for life.