ML127729381

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

June 2012: Finally getting around to updating this, had entered it originally as Sterna sp, but with time to check references, I feel more confident of the ID as a Roseate. Full set of 11 photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/brewsterslinnet/sets/72157629586362333/detail/ I discussed the bird with Marshall Iliff, conversation pasted here: >Thanks Marshall. >Roseate was where I was leaning, but as you noted there's not a lot of reference material to go on. I agree with pretty much all the points you mentioned, although I didn't think the tail length was that long (but given the molt in the wings I guessed that it may not be fully grown which may be totally off). I've played around with the original photos a bit and couldn't get any darker edges to the wings or tail, so I'm fairly certain that's showing accurately. Flight style stuck out at the time, although at this point I can't say much about it (although Least Tern-ish is probably fairly good). > >I checked the eBird data too (was great for planning beforehand). Sample size is a bit of an issue though. Just picking only the Dry Tortugas hotspots, there's only 10-15 checklists per week in March (which is actually than most of the year higher outside of April and the first week of May). > >That was the only Sterna, although there were good numbers of Sandwich and a Royal hanging around. The trip as a whole was fantastic. Limited landbird migration, which in a way was a good thing as I doubt the day trip would have enough time on a good day. Here's the checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S10127904, still haven't gotten to the rest of the photos. A few good things on the way out too, including a Blue-winged Teal 30 minutes out of the harbor and a stunning Pomarine Jaeger. > >Jason > >>On Mar 21, 2012, at 8:41 AM, Marshall Iliff wrote: >> >>Jason, >> >>This is a really interesting bird ad it is great that you keyed in on it to get these images, even if the timing was less than ideal. >> >>My impression is that this is a Roseate Tern. The extremely long bill is perhaps the main reason for this, but it is supported by other traits. The outer rects seem quite long and the outer rects do not seem to have as much black as they might on a Common. The carpal bar is much more limited than I would expect on a Common, especially in this image: >> >>http://www.flickr.com/photos/brewsterslinnet/6983040433/in/set-72157629586362333/ >> >>And overall, the bird looks pale and whitish above and the gray trailing edge of the primaries looks minimal. I don't see any gray below molting in below, which, if present would be bad for Roseate. The fact that it is missing may not help these case though. I also get the impression that a Common Tern in this plumage would have a more extensive pale forehead. >> >>I wasn't sure about Roseate arrival patterns, so checked eBird. Obviously a March Roseate would be pretty noteworthy there: >> >>http://ebird.org/ebird/GuideMe?cmd=decisionPage&speciesCodes=roster&getLocations=states&states=US-FL&bYear=1900&eYear=2012&bMonth=1&eMonth=12&reportType=species&parentState=US-FL >> >>I tried to google up some images of winter Roseates and couldn't find many. I am curious what your impression was in the field and what, if any, other Sterna terns you saw on the trip. Actually I'd be interested to hear what you saw overall there. An interesting time to visit! >> >>Thanks for sharing and I look forward to hearing your thoughts. >> >>Best, >> >>Marshall

Technical information

Model

Canon EOS 7D

Lens

EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM

ISO

400

Focal length

400 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire, auto

f-stop

f/7.1

Shutter speed

1/1250 sec

Dimensions

654 pixels x 724 pixels

Original file size

167.85 KB