Arctic Tern, El Paso Co.

[Glenn and Laurie]

Folks,

 

Rick Taylor, Aaron Driscoll, Mel and Jeanne Goff and I watched the Arctic Tern today from about 11 a.m. til noon.  This is a beautiful alternate plumage, adult bird with gray body, black cap, long tail and small, blood-red bill.  The bird was actively feeding up and down the shores of Big Johnson Reservoir occasionally resting with the gulls at the south and east ends.  I was able to get some distance pictures showing the key features (structural and plumage) of this long distance migrant.   I have read differing figures on the annual migration distance of this bird, from 25,000 - 44,000 miles.  Incredible in any case.

 

http://www.pbase.com/gwalbek/image/157316984

 

Glenn Walbek

Castle Rock, CO