Common Tern

Common Tern

Terns are smaller and more graceful in flight than gulls. The Common Tern Sterna hirundo (right) grows to 14", wingspan 31". Their forked tails make it easy to differentiate terns from Laughing Gulls, which also have black heads.

Terns are found in the same habitats as gulls, that is to say, just about anywhere near water. Their call is a common sound along waterfronts everywhere.

Common Tern

Insects are almost completely lacking in the marine environment. I recall something about saltwater having a very bad effect on their lungless respiratory system ( although this does not affect spiders. ) Insects are quite common in freshwater environments though, both as larvae and adults. A little digging can turn up myriad types, but be careful, some of them can bite very painfully.