Rub-A-Dub-Dub!

A group of common terns splash and frolic in the freshwater pool found in the center of Seal Island off the coast of Maine.

Since terns are seabirds that spend most of their time flying, they bathe in a fashion similar to swifts and swallows, by dipping their beaks into the water while on the wing.

As they wet their bodies, their tail flips up to direct a splash of water over their back.
Bathing is an important actively for these birds to maintain their plumage.

Seal Island is one of the seven seabird islands monitored by Project Puffin where common, arctic, and roseate terns are both protected and researched.

Photo Courtesy Of Austin Patton