BirdingNZ.net

Hi folks,
We currently have a WWBT on the central western oxidation pond.
On Tues I saw a group of 6 or 7 terns on the pond, I figured most were Black-fronted but one or two looked a bit different.
No bins or camera made getting an id of anything impossible.
Got back earlier this afty and only one tern to be found.
The cap extends down the neck.
The image is a montage of the 2 best images.
Heavy crops, long way away bird.

I think it's the same bird that's been around do since late summer. I've seen it occasionally over autumn and most recently on July 29th. Cheers

Bird was still present this afternoon at 2-2:30 on the western ponds. Hawking constantly along with a few non breeding and juvenile black fronted terns for a nice comparison.

Appeared to be a non breeding adult to my eyes. Or certainly a second winter bird. As it didn’t exhibit the full juvenile plumage characteristics. Surprised by how small it looks compared to the black fronts, with a much less robust body and shorter wings and smaller head