Sooty terns formed a massive ground nesting colony in the field under the loran antenna guide wires. Many thousands of birds were crowded together emitting an unending cacophony of calls. Maybe they are continually renegotiating territory with their numerous neighbors. Brown-speckled eggs are laid right on the ground and hatch out into downy chicks that scurry about.
If you approach too near the colony, the birds rise up into the air with vigorous vocal complaints.
