Thursday 20 August 2015

White-winged (Black) Tern in Newfoundland - Day II

Day II of White-winged (Black) Tern in Newfoundland was quite similar to the pattern and timing of activities of Day One of Discovery.  Makes one wonder how long it has been here working this routine!!! Some are speculating that maybe it could be back in 2016 and we should start looking for it in June.

Photo buffs, which is pretty well everyone these days, are still agonizing for the ultimate shot. The bird is easy to see well with binoculars and a scope but is always a photo challenge. It is often just out of reach. The smooth plumage of the buoyant swift moving bird is hard for the AF systems to grab on to when the background is always beach rock, forest or houses. 

We are really getting to know this particular White-winged (Black) Tern and the species overall. A huge privilege in Newfoundland. It is an amazingly graceful striking looking bird. This is unanimous among the perhaps 30? people who have now gone to see the bird. A Black Tern is a gull in comparison to the fluid flighty movements of a White-winged (Black) Tern.

Here are a few snaps of the day....

Early in the morning it sat on the beach across the channel from the yacht club. 

During the morning relaxation period it was regularly flushed by crows or rowdy Common Terns.


When temperatures rose and insect life was mobile over Chamberlains Pond it was frequently present at that location. The pond is encompassed by residential housing.

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