FreeLists / birdky / [birdky] Red Phalarope, possible Bridled Tern N. KY

[FrankRenfrow@xxxxxxx]

David Brinkman observed a possible immature Bridled Tern at the  Mouth of the 
Licking River at Newport and Covington today. The bird was only  present for 
a few minutes after I arrived and I did not get a totally  satisfactory look 
as I never did get it fully in my scope for more than a  few seconds at  a time 
(trees in way) but did have a bit longer looks  through binoculars. Confusing 
matters was a Red Phalarope (photos  taken) that landed in front of us (David 
saw it first) right about the  same time the tern was last seen. The bird had 
a head pattern very similar to  some transitional plumaged Black Terns (8 
total) that I had seen there  yesterday. The Seabirds guide does show a similar 
facial pattern for the  immature Bridled (no distinct eyeline and somewhat of a 
dark cheek patch). Jizz  did seem larger and longer-winged than the Black 
Terns but there were no other  terns present for size comparision and I didn't 
get a good angle on the  tail. David did get some photos of the tern so we are 
hoping that might clear up  the ID issues. He also has more of the details 
posted on the OH listserv. 
 
Fran Renfrow Bellevue, KY