Arctic Terns vs Arctic Fox

During the Svalbard expedition in late July, I had some interesting encounters with the Arctic Fox and Arctic Tern. The fox could not restrain itself from trying to steal eggs or chicks from the Arctic Terns and the adult terns defended their nests bravely. Several times the terns attacked and nipped at the ears and head of the fox and it was obvious that it was quite painful for the fox.

Arctic tern attack. Nikon D3S with 300/2.8 VR II , 1/400 sec, f/5.6 and ISO 2000

Arctic tern attack. Nikon D3S with 300/2.8 VR II, 1/800 sec, f/4.5 and ISO 2000

Arctic tern attack. Nikon D3S with 300/2.8 VR II, 1/1250 sec, f/4.5 and ISO 2000

It´s not easy to photograph these fast moving diving terns. The best way to capture them is to watch with one eye outside the viewfinder. When the terns did attack I just hit the shutter release and hoped to capture some of the action.

Nikon D3X with 300/2.8 VR II, 1/20 sec, f/16 and ISO 200

Arctic Tern. Nikon D3S with 600/4.0 VR, 1/8 sec, f/13 and ISO 100

Arctic Tern. Nikon D3S with 600/4.0 VR, 1/2000 sec, f/9 and ISO 2000

Arctic Tern. Nikon D3S with 600/4.0 VR, 1/2500 sec, f/9 and ISO 1600

Arctic Tern. Nikon D3S with 600/4.0 VR, 1/2000 sec, f/9 and ISO 1600

Arctic Tern. Nikon D3S with 600/4.0 VR, 1/2500 sec, f/5.6 and ISO 1250

OJL

This post is also available in: Norwegian Bokmål