Tern, NE England July 2023 (1 Viewer)

[LowellMills]

Snapped this (juv?) tern at mouth of the Tyne at South Shields in July 2023 on the walk back from snapping commons and Arctics on Sandhaven Beach. Thought nothing more of this bird but have revisited the day's pics by chance and thought it looks a bit different. No size indication next to other terns but there's a herring gull in vicinity. Sorry not got better shots. Thanks

 

[Alexander Stöhr]

Hello,

is a Little Tern an option there?

This was my gut feeling, but its a strange bird for me. I am not sure, if this is a juvenile bird in july, or an advanced moulting bird with most scapulars replaced to first winter?

Better wait for Killian Mullarney and others. Thanks!

 

[lou salomon]

Surely not a Little Teen, which would have a proportionally bigger head. Looks like a 1cy Common Tern to me.

 

[JayFeatherPL]

Distinct dark covert bar. 1st cycle common tern. Not an arctic tern because the bill and the legs are too long.

 

[LowellMills]

Thanks all. Would have had mixed feelings if little tern as it's a lifer but would mean I missed the moment at the time. The needless wait goes on (life getting in the way of going up to Long Nanny colony).

 

[Hotspur]

Agreed on common tern.