Birders,
Sorry to report that multiple observers missed the Royal Tern at John Martin Reservoir (Bent County) today, after it was unmissable all day yesterday. Our consolation was a Least Tern in portlandica plumage on the same island frequented yesterday by the Royal Tern. This was the first Least Tern I've seen in SE Colorado since June. Many tern species don't breed until several years old, and young birds largely remain on the wintering grounds until adult, holding distinctive immature plumage not normally seen on the breeding grounds. These are collectively called portlandica terns. I usually see one in Colorado every year or so. To me, it signals hope for the future.
Duane Nelson
Las Animas, Bent County, CO
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