The latest info I have received is that the bird was still there on Friday 7 October at 2.15 p.m. when, as it had done several times during the morning, Steve Davidson saw it fly from the beach to feed offshore – just before other birders arrived. Haven’t heard whether it returned but anyone wishing to see it should look sometime between 10.00 and 12.00. I’ve always found around 11.00 the best time to look for White-fronted Terns at Mornington when they pass through in September/October.
In my previous post on this bird giving the reasons for my ID, I omitted to state the age of this individual. Danny Rogers, Jeff Davies and I agree that this bird is about 15 months, i.e. one and a bit years, old. It is in first summer/second winter plumage. The leg colour wasn’t visible in the original photos, but in the field they appear very red as does the gape. The old blackish looking primaries are retained from juvenile plumage so are entitled to appear worn and weary! In this terminology the seasons referred to are the boreal ones as that is where the species breeds.
Mike Carter 30 Canadian Bay Road Mount Eliza VIC 3930 Tel (03) 9787 7136
