ML608651589

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

Rare; an overall pale, slender tern with a long tail and slim, dark bill. Flew in with FOTE and SATE and first picked out by its distinctive call, a strident “cheVIK” repeatedly given while settling in to loaf; call was sharp, but with rolling quality; overall rather shorebird-like. In flight, the bird had a dainty, short-winged and long-tailed shape and flew with shallow, swift wingbeats; the tail was wholly white tail, with long outer tail feathers that streamed and flexed noticeably while the bird flew; wings were slender and somewhat shorter than other Sterna, enhancing the long-tailed look. Perched, this delicate structure was still apparent with the tail projecting prominently past the wingtips, a thin, fine-tipped bill, and a neat, rounded crown. The plumage was very pale overall, with a white tail, white underparts, silvery upperparts, and white-and-silvery wings; the black cap was complete. The bill was largely black with a deep red base. Nearby COTE and FOTE allowed for close comparison and extended study; in addition to above notes, ROST appeared slightly smaller than FOTE which, in direct comparison was an overall more robust bird, with a blockier head-shape and heavier bill. Structurally, COTE appeared slightly shorter-legged and stockier, in addition to being shorter-tailed. Will attach photos

Technical information

Model

Canon EOS 7D

ISO

1250

Flash

Flash did not fire

Dimensions

3740 pixels x 2735 pixels

Original file size

1.55 MB