As of around 3:30 this afternoon, the juvenile ARCTIC TERN found yesterday by Ryan Griffiths was not definitely seen by numerous birders looking on both the New York and Ontario sides of the Niagara River. There were even kayakers looking for it around Strawberry and Frog Islands. There are quite a few COMMON TERNS scattered about and at least one, likely more, FORSTER'S TERN still being seen, so it is very possible that the Arctic Tern is still around. A first-year LITTLE GULL was reported by Reuben Stolzfus below Niagara Falls among many BONAPARTE'S GULLS and an adult was seen at the Arctic Tern location by Christine Rockwell early this morning. Reuben did not find the male HARELQUIN DUCK that was seen on Oct 24th on the usual small island above the falls, visible from Goat Island and Three Sisters Islands.
Regarding the Arctic Tern, it is worth reminding people that this is a very challenging ID. Distinctions from Common Tern are subtle, lighting can have a big effect upon a bird's appearance, and the manner of foraging for these terns can vary a lot. With a good view, however, and knowledge of the important features to look for, the difficulty is not insurmountable. DIRECTIONS TO THE ARCTIC TERN LOCATION: The location is on the Niagara River about two to three miles north of Fort Erie, Ontario at the "Niagara Parks Marina at Miller's Creek". There were as many as 15 COMMON TERNS foraging there today and they will also sit on the docks. Good birding! Willie ------------------ Willie D'Anna Wilson, NY dannapotterATroadrunnerDOTcom _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
