Royal Tern at John Martin Reservoir, Bent County, CO

[Duane Nelson]

Birders,

I planned on doing habitat work on "Plover Island" on the north shore of
John Martin Reservoir today, but there was a large tern with an orange
bill on the shore of the island, so I decided I could wait to canoe to
the island. I got to watch an adult Royal Tern on the island for about
20 minutes, but it got up a couple of times, made short flights and
landed again on the island. On the third flight, it gained altitude and
flew off to the east. It was no longer there when the first observer I
called arrived.

It is possible that the bird will return to the island, as it's one of
the few places where beach habitat exists on the lake. Plover Island is
west of the overlook on the north side of the reservoir. With rising
water, access is only possible from the east, through the State Park.
Turn west at the sign to the wildlife area, cross a cattle guard, and
drive around the flooded section of road. Turn south onto the next point
after the flooded bay and drive south until you see the island. The
island should be very obvious and will probably be covered with American
White Pelicans.

I've posted pictures to Facebook, and will submit documentation to the
CBRC. If accepted, this will be Colorado's 4th record (I found the 1st
at Neenoshe Reservoir in Kiowa County on July 15, 1997).

Duane Nelson
Las Animas, Bent County, CO