birding-aus

Re: Arctic Tern at Barwon Heads, Vic on 28.11.10

To: "Mike Carter" <>
Subject: Re: Arctic Tern at Barwon Heads, Vic on 28.11.10
From:
Date: Fri, 3 Dec 2010 17:32:48 +1100
Some further information on this sighting.

Firstly, my apologies for the lateness of the report. The bird was seen 
late sunday evening  and i wasn't sure of the identification on the day 
(else i would have tried for better photos!).

The bird was seen on the ocean side of the new bridge, which has turned 
into a great roost while construction is being carried out and keeping 
people, dogs, and boats away from the site. 

The bird was in the company of (and being harassed by)  crested terns, 
pacific gulls, and lots of bar-tailed godwits and knots. 

There were strong South-easterlies blowing, and the bird looked very 
ragged, so i suspect i just got lucky with a quick stop over to rest. 

Unfortunately the northerlies have kicked back in, and i suspect it will 
be difficult to relocate this bird, but for those wishing to try, i 
suggest heading there on a high tide when the area turns into a roost. 

Park in the construction area carpark on the ocean grove side of the 
bridge, and follow the pedestrian signs onto the beach and around to the 
bridge area. 

This is the location of the roost site: 

http://www.nearmap.com/?q=@-38.283204,144.496951&ll=-38.283204,144.496951&z=19&t=k&nmd=20100709

And here is an image of the bird: 

http://www.peterfuller.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/arctictern2145s.jpg

Cheers, 

Peter




Another Arctic Tern has been seen in Victoria. This time an adult at 
Barwon 
Heads last Sunday 28 Nov. It is image 2145 on www.peterfuller.com.au. This 

bird retains much breeding plumage in cap and dark underparts. It is 
Arctic 
because it has short legs; contrary to Common Tern, all plumage 
particularly 
wing, is very ragged because this species commences wing moult into 
non-breeding late, not until it reaches the Antarctic ice; etc. etc.
The width of black (quite a lot) on trailing edge of wing surprises me 
somewhat as have others this spring.

Mike Carter
30 Canadian Bay Road
Mount Eliza  VIC 3930
Tel  (03) 9787 7136


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