Gooday Jill and all,
Walked to the mouth of the Don River at Bowen Qld. 20 00S yesterday
afternoon and witnessed a huge flock of mixed Terns travelling in a
southerley direction at least 2500+.
Time was 17.00 with the flock consisting Crested Terns, Common Terns,
Black-naped Terns and Little Tern. The latter two species had the least
number present while the bulk of the flock was Crested and Common Terns.
The flock stretched a fair distance with birds sighted through the glasses
for as far as I could see looking to the North and towards Cape Edgecumbe.
The distance from shore was difficult to judge as again birds could be seen
for a considerable distance offshore.
Some Terns were massed in feeding frenzies that attracted at least 200+
birds continually diving into the water. I sighted at least four of these
groups.
The Black-naped and Little Terns fed on the extremity of the main flock with
only individuals diving into the water as opposed to the other Terns mass
feeding method.
The Common Terns showed a distinct dark leading edge to the wings.
Conditions at the time were fairly rough with a strong sou-easterly blowing.
High tide was to be at 20.20.
Jon Wren
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