FreeLists / tn-bird / [TN-Bird] Caspian Tern at Hatchie NWR; 1/2/06

[<birder1@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

1/2/06
Oneal Lake; Hatchie NWR
Haywood County

I made a quick run to Oneal Lake after getting off of work Monday morning, 
hoping to get a shot or two of Jeff's Tundra Swans. Though it was an 
extremely windy day, the Tundra's cooperated nicely. I'll have some shots 
posted soon of these stately birds.

While I was watching the Swans, I noticed a white bird flying around over 
the other end of the lake, which I assumed to be a Ring-billed Gull, until 
it happened to plunge-dive. Once I glassed the bird, it was obvious it was a 
Caspian Tern. This is my 1st winter Caspian in TN, and one of a handful of 
winter records that I know of. I managed one shot through the scope of this 
distant bird, which I will also post. I initially had faint hopes that it 
might be one of the other large Sterna terns, due to the unlikely time of 
the year, but it was "just" a Caspian. This bird steadily worked over the 
lake, diving often, for about 10 minutes after I realized what it was. Then, 
while I was messing with my camera, it disappeared. Heading south hopefully.

Not much of note, an adult Bald Eagle flying around with a good-size turtle 
was interesting though.

Good Birding!!

Mike Todd
McKenzie, TN
birder1@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
www.pbase.com/mctodd

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