August’s Bird of the Month, the Greater Crested Tern (Thalasseus bergii) is one of the larger members of the tern family and occurs along Australia’s entire coastline.

They are quite common on Illawarra beaches, and are often seen feeding behind the breakers, occasionally diving down to target schools of fish.

I photographed a small group roosting on the edge of the rock platforms at Sandon Point in Bulli. Just after I took the shot of this bird, a wave crashed against the rocks and they took flight.

It would have made for a great photo if I wasn’t so focussed on keeping my camera gear dry! Maybe next time.