11 replies to this topic

[Davis Bruce]

I am having trouble with this one. This was at Ft. Desoto in St. Pete, FL yesterday. We have had windy conditions for days. At first my thought was just a common tern, but I'm not certain. The sandwich tern behind gives an idea on size.

[JimBob]

I'm thinking Common as well. . . not 100% sure as I don't know my terns all that well.

[GreatHorn]

Agree with Common, with that dark on the wing (nice shot with the Sandwich and Royal).

Could be a juvie?

[Davis Bruce]

OK, I guess if others are seeing the same thing. I thought Juvie as well, but looks awful late for it to still have that coloring. It also seems to have a white band around the neck area. I thought possibly with the winds this was something that made it's way in that wasn't supposed to be here. There were no others in a group of about 200 terns. It was cool seeing them and being able to walk over to them. The wind was strong enough that they stay in place if you were respectful of there space.

[JimBob]

Oh, yeah it's a juvenile. . . should'a mentioned that.

[Davis Bruce]

Is Aberrant still out there?

[JimBob]

Is Aberrant still out there?

He hasn't been around for a while, but people like Grandpa (probably writing a super long explanation full of info on what this is), psweet, and others have taken his place. (though it would be nice to have the amazing gull IDer back. . . )

[Davis Bruce]

Yeah, I just don't have the time anymore to get on much, so I have no idea who is still around and who isn't. Aberrant gave a lot of detail that helped so much. I'm still learning, so those explanations sure do help.

[psweet]

I don't see anything that says it's not a juvenile Common Tern, either. The timing is actually just fine - according to Pyle, the pre-formative molt typically doesn't start until the bird finishes migration in November, so it should still be in full juvenile plumage.

[blackburnian]

also, the dark carpal bar is diagnostic

[Davis Bruce]

Thanks everyone.

[wildfelco]

I really do miss the gull guy "Aberrant"
miss the old team, krypt, liam, grandpa, poormatty, maddy, but its good to see new people have came in. keep up the good work birders!