Thank you, Steve. While it is unlikely this bird will reappear it would be good to have a little clarification of the location. Unfortunately the numbering system for the ponds lost some of its usefulness when some reporters abandoned the code on the COG website and adopted instead a system based on an ACTEW code. However, 'largest', as appears from the below Google extract is clear enough, as is the location of the substantial gate on Dairy Flat Road. From there, the pond itself is out of view and rather distant, but those who remember it from when it was possible to see it will be aware of the general direction. Anything over the pond could be much better viewed from the paddock to the north, which can be accessed by stepping over a lowish fence, but whether that is permissible is unclear, as is the whole question of access to other vantage points, and indeed the more significant question when the ponds area will be re-opened to birdwatching. It will be ironic if this first record for the ACT, and a notable occurrence for inland Australia, goes unconfirmed because of the continuing embargo on entry by observers.
Just another comment on the site. It seems unusual for a mainly marine species likely to feed on surface fish. Are other reported inland haunts more marine like in that respect.? One wonders what it was feeding on - floating wind-blown insects In accordance with the preference of Whiskered Terns?
-----Original Message-----
From: Steve Holliday [
Sent: Friday, 4 October 2013 1:50 PM
To:
Subject: RE: [canberrabirds] FSTW: Eastern Common Tern
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 [m("homemail.com.au","milburns");">]
Sent: Thursday, 3 October 2013 8:22 PM
To: m("canberrabirds.org.au","canberrabirds");">
Subject: [canberrabirds] 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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