ML104954001

Age and sex

Immature Unknown sex - X

Media notes

digiscoped photo

Observation details

2nd CY, actively foraging along SW shore of reservoir, 100-200 m from shore on average, and would dip down to surface to catch prey, and did not plunge dive or otherwise submerge itself in water a la FOTE, COTE Predominantly whitish to very pale gray Sterna tern with compact body, appearing oval-shaped, with long wings and elongated rear end with longish outer tail feathers. The wings were narrow with long, pointed hands. The head appeared rounded and short with minimal neck-head extension beyond the leading edge of the wings. The triangular black cap enveloped the eyes but was set back on the head. The forecrown to mid-crown was white to peppered but the rear of the crown was densely peppered or entirely black (poorly seen in photos in bright sun). Some dark gray mottling was apparent on the underparts, under the wings on the breast, and especially in contrast with the stark white undertail coverts. The rump was seemingly gray in comparison to the pure white uppertail coverts. The secondaries were white. The primaries were white, giving a translucent appearance when backlit, and showed small black tips which created a distinct black rear edge to the outer 7-8 primaries. The bill appeared entirely black and gave a slender and short appearance. The short legs and small feet were rarely visible. It was in flight for the entirety of the observation, though it seemingly put down on the mudflats on the southwestern shore of the lake when I was moving to a different vantage point. It stayed a minimum of about 100-200 meters from shore at all times. It was feeding on surface prey/insects only and never dove into the water. It flew relatively high off the water and would dip down to capture prey on or near the surface. The flight style was buoyant on relatively deep wing beats, a very elegant and effortless flyer.

Technical information

Dimensions

996 pixels x 747 pixels

Original file size

421.73 KB