FreeLists / tn-bird / [tn-bird] HELP with tern ID-Forster's???

["ANNA VARNEY" <arvarney@xxxxxxx>]

Hi all,

Birding at Monsonto Ponds today-between 10:30 and 11:30 I had what I 
believed to be a tern.  Anyway, I turned to the chapter on terns in the Nat. 
Geog. field guide and this bird did what terns are described as doing-plunge 
dive after prey.  So, I looked a bit longer.  The bird would fly close 
enough to see detail-namely the large, pointed black bill and black marks 
around the eyes, panda bear like. The tail was very forked.  The closest 
thing I could match to is winter adult Forster's Tern.  The black around the 
eyes did not continue over the bird's head.  The bird was seen while 
standing at the observation platform area around viewing area furthest from 
the entrance off of Monsanto Road (#3-I think).  I really need to think 
about a digital camera!!  If anyone is interested in coming out, let me 
know.

Anna Varney
Summertown, TN




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