Caspian Terns and a Gallinule: May 2021

The name of this large tern indicates that it is a cosmopolitan species.

Caspian Terns

It can be seen in Australia, New Zealand, the South Sea Islands, African and Eurasia.

Caspian Terns

It is about the size of a Ring-billed Gull but has a big red bill, black cap and forked tail.

Caspian Terns
Caspian Terns
Caspian Terns
Caspian Terns and juvenile Herring Gull
Caspian Terns and juvenile Herring Gull
Caspian Terns and juvenile Herring Gull
Caspian Terns and juvenile Herring Gulls
Caspian Terns and juvenile Herring Gulls

MYSTERY BIRD

At the end of the post, I will identify it.

Other birds:

Ring-billed Gull (juvenile)
Ring-billed Gull (juvenile)
Song Sparrow
American Goldfinch (female)
Red-winged Blackbird (male)
juvenile Herring Gull
juvenile Herring Gull
Ring-billed Gull and juvenile Herring Gull
Double-crested Cormorants
Mallard (male)
Red-winged Blackbird (female)
Song Sparrow
Red-necked Grebe
Mute Swan
Mute Swan

Blue Jays migrate together in large groups.

Blue Jays
Blue Jays
Blue Jays and Grackles
Blue Jays
Song Sparrow
Baltimore Oriole
Baltimore Oriole
Red-winged Blackbird (female)
Northern Cardinal (male)
Long-tailed Duck (female)
Yellow Warbler (male)
Yellow Warbler (male)
Yellow Warbler (male)
Yellow Warbler (male)

Gallinules seemed to be common in my youth but this is the first one I have seen in years.

Common Gallinule
Common Gallinule
Common Gallinule
Green Heron
Common Grackle
Song Sparrow
Canada Goose
Mute Swans
Mute Swan
Mallard and Pekin Duck

When I arrived at Humber Bay early this morning, there were more Midges than I have ever seen. A young woman out for a walk with her beau was reduced to running out screaming with her hands over her face.

Midges

Sky views:

MYSTERY BIRD

Cormorants frequently strike this pose to dry their wings after much underwater fishing.

Double-crested Cormorants

NATURE POETRY

 
New promise every day of sweetness,
  The next bright dawn is sure to bring;
Slow breaking into green completeness,
  Fresh rapture of the early Spring!            – Edith Wharton (1862-1937)  

Miles Hearn

2 thoughts on “Caspian Terns and a Gallinule: May 2021

  1. Maria Pedersen

    The caspian terns are so cool! They look like they are “just chillin”. Such lovely birds and fabulous morning scenes. Thanks for these photos. They make my day joyful.

    Reply
  2. Lisa Volkov

    Ha! I got the mystery bird, but only because I’ve seen it do this!
    A WHAT? A (Common?) Gallinule?
    Wow. You just keep introducing us to new birds and ducks!
    Wonderful pictures, wonderful birds and ducks, wonderful scenery. Thanks, Miles!

    Reply

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