Long-tailed Jaeger near Chautauqua NWR

[Tom L.]

Today, September 18th, I saw a juvenile long-tailed jaeger at Quiver Lake, just south of Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge in Mason County, Illinois.  I was watching a Caspian tern dive and catch a small fish.  As the tern emerged from the water with the fish, the jaeger flew at the tern, trying to steal the fish.  The jaeger was an overall dark bird, but white underwing patches (like a nighthawk) were a striking field mark.  The entire event happened quickly, and both birds were soon out of sight.  My ID of the jaeger is based upon its size (comparable to the tern), shape, coloring, and especially the white wing patches.

Tom Lerczak

McDonough County, Illinois