As one of the lucky throng that had gathered to watch this rare visitor
yesterday evening, here are my impressions. Would be good to hear other
peoples thoughts, as they would no doubt improve on mine!
Apparently better views had been obtained before I arrived, what I saw was
from quite a distance. However, the bird was clearly one of the 'commic'
terns (ie the group of similar sized and plumaged species including Common,
Arctic, White-fronted, Roseate). Compared to the 10+ breeding plumaged
Whiskered Terns with which it was flying it was a bit larger with
proportionately longer wings and a much longer tail. It had a black cap,
with a bright white rump and whitish underparts. The bill appeared to be
black although it was difficult to be certain given the distance. Wing
pattern was also not very clear to me but appeared to match Common Tern
better than anything else. Given Milburn's extensive experience with
seabirds I would be very surprised if his identification was incorrect. I
would also add that the alternatives seem even less likely to turn up in the
ACT.
There are a handful of inland records of Common Terns mentioned in HANZAB
but evidently this is a very rare occurrence, and a great find. I find it
interesting that this species appears to be almost exclusively marine in its
southern hemisphere wintering grounds (eg. apparently rare inland in
southern Africa where it is common in winter), while being as much a
freshwater bird as a marine one in the Northern Hemisphere where it breeds.
Cheers
Steve
-----Original Message-----
From: milburn
Sent: Thursday, 3 October 2013 8:22 PM
To:
Subject: FSTW: Eastern Common Tern
An adult Eastern Common Tern (Sterna hirundo longipennis), still in breeding
plumage, was with the flock of Whiskered Terns (approximately
15) at the largest pond at Fyshwick Sewage Treatment Plant this evening
until sunset. The bird was visible from the Old Dairy Flat Road at the
heavy green gate looking towards the green hut.
Milburn
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