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
===============================
To unsubscribe from this mailing list,
send the message:
unsubscribe
(in the body of the message, with no Subject line)
to:
http://birding-aus.org
===============================
|
