16th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
A least parent checks in with its egg and chick.

A least tern parent flew back and forth catching fish for its newly hatched chick. It didn’t bring back fish this time, but simply came in to make sure the chick was doing alright. These birds are endangered from habitat loss as people play on the soft beaches they love to nest on.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 07.2018
Date Uploaded: 09.2018
Photo Location: Maine, United States of America
Camera: NIKON D3200
Copyright: © Maya Sterett