Tern Id's in Merritt Island, FL (1 Viewer)

C

chaderz911

Active member

• Mar 10, 2009

• #1

I was recently in Merritt Island, FL birding the NWR on the Island and came across these three (maybe 2) terns that I can't identify. They were in the presence of several Caspian Terns and Black Skimmers. If you can help identify, please let me know why so to help me in the future. Thanks in advance!

Please take a look at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chaderz911/3342595469/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chaderz911/3343430012/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chaderz911/3342595315/

 

rjackb

Well-known member

• Mar 10, 2009

• #2

I'll guess Forster's Tern due to the coloration around the eye, the color of the legs, and the color of the bill. But I'll certainly defer to the experts since gulls and terns are not my strong point.

 

lmans66

Out Birding....

Supporter

• Mar 10, 2009

• #3

I like the idea of a skimmer...the red is missing in upper bill but that might be a winter characteristic, not sure. It looks a bit fat....a healthy skimmer but the white between beak and black head-cap match.

 

apbarr

Well-known member

• Mar 10, 2009

• #4

One looks like a clear cut Forster's but I'm less sure about the other 2 pictures

 

MariettaBirder

Well-known member

• Mar 10, 2009

• #5

apbarr said:

One looks like a clear cut Forster's but I'm less sure about the other 2 pictures

Click to expand...

I agree with Foster's for the first link (Mystery Bird 3). I'm thinking the other two look like Gull-billed, one transitioning from winter to breeding plumage.

I do not get Skimmer from any. I've see skimmers in winter and they have black upper, plus the mismatched bill is unmistakable which is not evident in any of these photos.

 

C

CAU

Well-known member

• Mar 10, 2009

• #6

They all look like 2cy Forster's Terns to me. Note the reddish legs and long bills, which should separate them from Gull-billed Tern.

 

Jeff Hopkins

Just another...observer

• Mar 10, 2009

• #7

Agree with Forster's for all three.