One good tern!

A tern came flying up Weesuck Creek this morning that was noticeably larger than a Common (or Forster's) Tern but seemingly not as big as a Royal Tern. Not to be coy about it, the Elegant Tern -- originally found at Cupsogue but later seen at Tiana Beach -- is bigger than a Common Tern but smaller than a Royal. And Tiana Beach is visible directly opposite us on the opposite site of Shinnecock Bay. This was a single tern with a longish bill (could not see the color), a slim and definitely elegant silhouette and white secondaries. It was hugging the opposite side of the creek and, as it flew up the creek, was seen against the backdrop of bright sunlight so it was not easy to see detail. I waited patiently in the hot sun (and it was getter hotter by the minute) for the bird to come back down the creek as most of the terns will do. But it never showed up again and I finally left. I don't know how far a tern can see from the air at the top of the creek but it can certainly see Tiana Bay and the eastern portion of Shinnecock. Or, perhaps, in the other direction, the bays west of us, Quantuck and Moriches (the latter including Cupsogue). We already know that this bird is a wanderer!

Okay. Logical speculation takes me just so far. It could have been a Sandwich Tern (about the same size). Or even perhaps a Gull-billed or a Royal Tern whose size I have misjudged (both less likely but still within the realm of the possible). Alas, I'll never know for sure. 

The Hairy Woodpecker family is still in circulation; they stay in touch by calling each other with their loud PEETs. In fact, all four local woodpeckers were calling this morning. Also a Baltimore Oriole (they've been generally quiet for the past weeks). A loud yipping call from the far side of the creek remains a mystery; possible some kind of raptor. A silent visitor was an Eastern Phoebe, an immature that was probably born somewhere in the area.

Eric Salzman