#arctic tern

Petit Manan Lighthouse, Petit Manan Island, Steuben. Possibly my favorite lighthouse. In the summer, this island is home to hundreds of birds. Including Atlantic puffins, arctic, common and roseate terns, as well as black guillemots and many more. Decided I couldn't draw them all, but here's a couple attempts to try and capture the island's vibes. Can you spot the oystercatchers? MERCH

They probably got the arctic tern in Trench

the arctic tern is known for undertaking a massive migration - spanning over 15,000 miles as they make the trip from their arctic breeding grounds to antarctica, where they spend winters; in six months, they fly back to their breeding grounds. these trips would take quite a toll on most birds - their annual migrations are without a doubt the longest known migration of any animal, with birds nesting in iceland and greenland traveling an average of 70,900 km (44,100 mi) round-trip yearly. they nest only once every one to three years. many of these birds are long-lived, capable of reaching 15-30 years of age, meaning they undergo many migrations during their lifetime.

you know what? i completely forgot to post my November Scandinavian (kinda, this time) animal art!! Seals from Iceland, here you go

Day 11 of #birdtoberclub2025 hosted by @kaylafiskbirds is Bird of Prey, for which I picked Teratornis, a prehistoric giant related to New World vultures. Teratorns lived alongside people as recently as 10,000 years ago, but vanished along with the megafauna.

Pygmy Nuthatch ☆ Great Grey Owl ☆ Crowned Parrot

Arctic terns preparing to build a nest By: G. Zeisler From: The Mating Game 1976