Possible ROYAL TERN - Timnath Reservoir, Larimer County, 8/27/16

[Austin Hess]

Nick Komar and I found what looked like a ROYAL TERN at the NE corner of Timnath Reservoir this morning around 7:10 A.M. It was standing next to a Caspian Tern for a great comparison. Both took off unfortunately but may still be at the lake. A Mountain Plover was also present nearby.

Austin Hess
Fort Collins, Colorado

[Austin Hess]

UPDATE: Refound both Terns at the West parking lot of Timnath Reservoir at 7:40 A.M. and got close flyby photos and audio before they flew West and away from reservoir.

[Nick Komar]

Here is a photo (by Austin) of the orange-billed tern that gave high-pitched juvenile calls and sports a gray tail. It appeared to be following the Caspian Tern.

I can upload some distant comparison shots of the bird sitting on a sand spit is well soon.

Booth birds flew west towards fossil Creek reservoir.

Nick Komar
Fort Collins CO

[Nick Komar]

Here is my distant shot of the two large turns side by side.

[Nick Komar]

Several folks have very politely pointed out that the candidate Royal Tern this morning in fact was a juvenile Caspian Tern, which can show a smaller, orangey bill, and a full black cap. Many thanks to them. Good learning experience for Austin and me. Apologies if anybody got overly excited due to our error.