The first year Forster's Tern transitioning from juvenile to near winter plumage was present along Ottawa Beach until 4.30pm at least. Roosting on the small rocks to the west of Britannia Point, fishing and ranging between Deschenes Rapids in the east to Dick Bell Park earlier in the afternoon. The Tern's dark eye patch and dark bill was clearly seen along with the pale upper wings, dark primary under wing trailing edge, the bird was seen well roosting on the rocks, showed a light gray cap and nape and some traces of juvenile plumage on the mantle and wing coverts. However, overall it resembles a winter plumage bird.
Note: there were at least three Common Terns fishing mainly in deeper water towards the middle of the Ottawa River /Quebec side! Directions: Ottawa Beach is best accessed from Carling Avenue just to the east of Andrew Haydon Park-Ottawa. Richard Waters "Audere est Facere" http://www.pbase.com/rwaters _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
