A Royal Tern portrait on the beach. This particular morning started out really slow with very heavy fog. I began my day out visiting Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge and walked around there for about 2 hours barely taking any photos. The dense morning fog made lighting difficult and there just weren't many birds at the refuge. I left there and decided to stop at the Sebastian Inlet area. I parked along the road where there was a path leading over the dunes and started hiking. Around 9:30am the fog was still dense over the ocean but I had some fun with a few Sanderlings feeding along the shoreline. Next I stumbled into a very cooperative Willet and a few more wading birds. After spending time with them I started walking back to the car. Just as I was about to enter the dune path I noticed a large flock of birds down beach further. I walked up to find a large group of Sanderlings and even better a flock of Royal Terns were all resting together right on the sand. I laid down and inch by inch began to crawl towards them. Eventually I got too close to focus on the some of the birds as they slept, preened and walked around me. It was almost noon but thankfully the fog was still around and filtered the bright sun to create the very flattering lighting seen in this portrait. Some days surely start slow but occasionally it can turn around and the weather cooperates to make an amazing day of wildlife photography. Taken in Vero Beach, Florida.