ML66820211

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

Identified as immature White-fronted terns by eBird experts. I initially thought they were Common terns, but then, upon returning home and looking at field guides & photos, began to wonder if they might not be White-fronted (which I have never seen). I was especially intrigued by the lack of the dark wedge on the upperwing which usually adorns our Commons in the USA. So I reached out to local experts. Their useful advice is presented below. - One eBird expert (RG) wrote: "I am going for White-fronted based on the broad white inner edge to the primaries, and the dark carpal bar in the immature birds in the two flight shots, as well as the head shape and steeper forehead. Also it's a bit early in the year for Common Tern." - Another expert (S) said: "Yes, they are all 1st year immature White-fronted Terns, for all the reasons you said. Also in the flight shots, the dark carpal bar extending back to the rear edge of the inner wing, is good for young White-fronted. And in the flight shots, the absence of a black hook-back on the trailing edge of outer primaries P5-P9 rules out Common Tern."

Technical information

Model

NIKON D7200

ISO

500

Focal length

140 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire, auto

f-stop

f/6.3

Shutter speed

1/2500 sec

Dimensions

2203 pixels x 1438 pixels

Original file size

1.24 MB