Common Tern

“The dedication of these terns to their nests is inspiring, and not less so because of their unconscious dependence on the weather. They pivot on its power and forbearance. A tern sitting on its nest centers the year.”

–John Hay, The Bird of Light

Media: Carbon dust on chronaflex

I was inspired to create this image before my career had even begun to take hold- after several indelible summers with the Great Gull Island project, a long-term ecological research station for Common and Roseate terns run by the incomparable Helen Hays of the American Museum of Natural History in New York. GGI is an incredible ecological treasure with a now incomparable data set recording tern populations and their behaviors. This beautiful, fragile slice of land in Long Island Sound, through the unwavering leadership of Dr. Hays (RIP, 2025) has aided in protecting and tracking the lives of these elegant seabirds for more than 50 years, while providing a launch point for aspiring conservationists from around the world.


This illustration of a tern on its nest is available on a variety of products, from fine art prints to everyday essentials, including, cards, journals, mugs, pillows, phone cases, t-shirts & hoodies, cutting boards & other home goods and tech accessories. Bringing the beauty of the seaside to your home and providing unique gifts for nature lovers, while helping to protect this elegant species. Museum quality prints of this ornithological illustration are available framed or unframed in a range of sizes and styles.

🍃Sustainably printed, globally available bird art 🪶

🌎 %3 from all proceeds from my Shop go to support conservation groups, including 7 Clean Seas which is actively protecting the ocean habitat of this and other marine species 🌎