Interesting tern at Mangere wtp today

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harryhatman
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Interesting tern at Mangere wtp today

Postby harryhatman » Thu Sep 26, 2019 8:32 pm

Any thoughts?
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Ian Southey
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Re: Interesting tern at Mangere wtp today

Postby Ian Southey » Thu Sep 26, 2019 10:01 pm

Harry

Try Arctic Tern

Ian
phil hammond
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Re: Interesting tern at Mangere wtp today

Postby phil hammond » Fri Sep 27, 2019 2:47 pm

I agree. The shape and length of bill, the bulging chest and overall body shape all look good for Arctic to me and although I'm not quite sure what's going on with the posture, I think it might be standing in mud on very short legs and if so the short legs would also be an indicator of Arctic

Phil Hammond
Wrybill Birding Tours NZ
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sav
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Re: Interesting tern at Mangere wtp today

Postby sav » Fri Sep 27, 2019 3:18 pm

Me too. The head markings are very Arctic (versus Common), and the bill is rather dainty, but I think the structure is really convincing. Arctic Terns look to me like they are about to topple forwards, with closed wings curving upwards.

I'm not sure what's going on with the posture either, but I wonder if it isn't actually sitting down?

One would want to see it fly to be 100% certain of Arctic Tern, but I'd be very surprised if this was anything else.

cheers
Sav Saville
Wrybill Birding Tours, NZ
Great Birds, Real Birders

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