[mou] Caspian Terns?- MN River

Ronus J ronusj@hotmail.com
Sun, 03 Sep 2006 19:19:15 -0500


Late afternoon, about 3-4 p.m., today, I watched at least 3 terns flying 
around and diving for fish on the Minnesota River.  This was at the little 
bridge on Black Dog road just west of Hwy 77.  I am pretty sure they were 
Caspian Terns, but being alone this time and never having seen one before, I 
cannot be 100% sure.  Large white bird, distinctly orange beak, black cap, 
black legs, only slightly forked tail (when it hovered before diving, the 
tail was more fan-shaped), slight black tips on primaries from underneath, 
but not as distinctive as it shows in my books.

If anyone else has seen them, please let me know if my ID is okay or not.

Thanks!

Sharon K.
Minneapolis