Terns, London (1 Viewer)

[punkskaphil]

Hi all. There have been a number of terns going through Walthamstow Reservoirs in recent days - with a mix of Common and Arctic reported. This morning there were around half a dozen on one reservoir, but I'm not too familiar with Arctic and trying to ID them in the field. I took a number of (poor) photographs and they all look like Common to me, but I'd be interested if anyone thinks otherwise. Thanks.

 

[punkskaphil]

More photos...

 

[punkskaphil]

Final photos...

 

[esmondb]

All common terns to my eye. Arctic in flight looks short necked and short billed, giving the impression that the wings seem further forward than on common

 

[punkskaphil]

Great, thanks. That'll be helpful for the future. Arctics have been reported here quite a few times recently so I'm going to keep watching and see if I can spot any.

And apologies for posting so many photos!