ML618523498

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

Previously reported today by Justin Thompson. Started scoping the log full of terns on the river and immediately noticed this one as being “different” from the Forsters it was next to. Knowing it was a candidate for a common, I began to research out in the field to refresh my memory of some of the details that distinguish the two tern species. I arrived at the conclusion it was a common shortly; Compared to Forsters, mantle appeared darker gray and especially underneath where the gray extended all the way to the throat leaving a thin white space between the black cap. Primaries darker than nearby terns, and I hopefully captured a pic of its dark wedge. When flapping, the primaries were the same color gray as the rest of the wing. Stood shorter then surrounding terns and leg color was darker red. Was tough to see red tone in bill because it was mainly black, but I do think I saw a hint of darker red at the base a couple times. Bill also appeared daintier. Bird stayed back facing me for most of the time, but did turn to show chest for a brief moment before it flapped and turned back to face away from me again. At the moment it was facing me I could see the obvious gray on chest and throat. I have pics to upload but I’m not sure they do justice compared to what I saw in the field. This is not crazy early for this species, but in general, most that pass through the state should be showing up in a week or two

Technical information

Model

Canon EOS 7D Mark II

ISO

800

Focal length

600 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire

f-stop

f/8.0

Shutter speed

1/400 sec

Dimensions

797 pixels x 444 pixels

Original file size

61.92 KB