Forester/Common Terns out at Cherry Creek Marina

[Aaron Tucker]

Greetings,

Saw a couple terns out at the Marina this morning and was wondering if anyone could help with an ID. 

They are Tern's with black caps and reddish/orange legs. They have a black spot on the end of their orange beaks. One of them has black wing-tips while the other seem to be white. It's possible they are one of each I guess. One has very vibrant orange (really more reddish) legs while the other one seem typically orange. 

Unfortunately I don't have a way to upload my photos till I get home tonight late but I was hoping someone else saw them out there this morning. 

Photos tonight, thanks for any help. 

Aaron Tucker

Aurora CO

P.S. Northern Parula is still out there at Pelican Point

[Nicholas Komar]

Aaron et al.,

Any hint of orange in legs and bill would indicate Forster's Tern. Adults in breeding plumage have almost completely white (frosty) wingtips. Subadults still have black in wingtips. 

The ratio of Forster's to Common Terns during spring migration is roughly 100:1. Common Terns are very UNcommon. :-)

Good birding,

Nick Komar

Fort Collins CO

Sent from my iPhone

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[Aaron Tucker]

Thanks for the info. I'll post photos tonight. One of them has very red legs and bill. It's still probably a foresters but the red is giving me pause for sure.

Aaron

[Aaron Tucker]

Taken at the Cherry Creek SP Marina

Aaron Tucker

Aurora, CO