ML416992201

Observation details

We traveled a convoluted trail south to Dry Creek Road, this due to someone knocking down and carting off all of the road signs. You have to go down into Alabama and back into TN to get there. At first we had nada as were trying to get the Sooty Terns for our MS and AL lists. At the north end of Dry Creek Road in TN, I picked up a large white bird heading down river that had a very different cadence to the wing beat and it was heading straight toward us with Common and Forester's Terns flying in and out of view. I got everyone on the bird, We had had a Caspian flying around that morning but on this bird I could finally see a white forehead! In the bright morning sun we had a classic ROYAL TERN fly right by us. Field notes were made along with a drawing. Number two mystery solved, I believe this was the same bird I saw heading north the previous day. We also had a Black Tern at this location for number SEVEN for the Dennis Event. Another large all dark bird was seen earlier by me but that one will remain a mystery... Field card: http://www.pbase.com/ol_coot/image/46177032