Tuesday 25 September 2012

[cobirds] Probable Arctic Tern, Chatfield

Folks,
 
While looking for Palm Warblers at Chatfield I found a sterna tern feeding on the lake.  The bird was seen from the fisherman's pier and seemed to hang out in the middle of the lake, resting on buoys after dining on small fish (Gizzard Shad, again?).  It was in breeding plumage and appeared small-headed, small-billed and short-legged.  It was uniform gray above, gray bellied and sported a very small hint of black-tipped primaries making for a very thin black line along the trailing edge of the wing that could only be seen upon thorough study.  I thought it may be an Arctic Tern but wasn't sure so I called a nearby birding expert (and close, personal friend) to check it out.  He also thought the bird was an Arctic Tern. 
 
I will be there tomorrow morning rain or shine to try and photograph the tern and look for DougCo. Palm Warblers.
 
Glenn Walbek
Castle Rock, CO

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