The Bridled Tern does breed in the area known as the Western Palearctic - but only in the Middle east, and then not in huge numbers. It also occurs around much of the north coast of Australia.
I have seen reports that suggest that this bird was from a breeding population in the Caribbean, that had become lost (or simply gone the wrong way - taken a wrong tern??) during migration.
Whatever its origin, this bird was well off of its local patch - just like me at the time really!
So this bird - Strena anaethetus (or Onychoprion anaethetus after a name change) - may have recognised a fellow wanderer and come out to see me! However, it seemed to like hiding behind vegetation when I saw it. I almost scored some good "in-flight" shots - but they are a little too blurred for public consumption.
I have since found out that this is only about the 40th time this bird has been recorded in the UK - so, its probably my first image of a bit of a mega bird!
So, this unexpected guest was a real bonus bird on the Farne Island trip.
Now (as ever) it's over to you - click away to join in.
a very sharp looking bird! congrats!
ReplyDeleteOh, I do agree with Tex!! A handsome fellow indeed!!
ReplyDeleteI know just how you feel. I posted about a bird found in Texas that is from the UK!!! Just this past week on http://id-rather-b-birdin.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteI am excited for you, and think it's a terrific bird - GREAT photos.
That is interesting how both you and the bird "wandered" into each others' path. That happened to me twice (and almost three times). Most interesting was an Ivory Gull that showed up on the New Jersey coast while I was there for a funeral. Also got a report of Piratic Flycatcher while driving through New Mexico to visit our son's family and made a 30 minute detour to find it. Dipped on a Loggerhead Kingbird while we happened to spending a couple of nights in Key West. Missed it by 5 minutes and never seen again!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful birds and perfect focus.
ReplyDeleteVery well photographed, Stewart.
Best regards, Irma
I get quite a few shots too not quite right for public consumption. Ha! You are having quite the adventure.
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos of this beautiful bird. Congratulations on the sighting.
ReplyDeleteWhat a thrill! And a beautiful set of pics. I love when stray birds fly our way:) Congrats!
ReplyDeleteAwesome sighting of this handsome bird!
ReplyDeleteAlways fun to stumble across a rarity. Super images Stewart.
ReplyDeleteFantastic shots. What a delightful surprise!
ReplyDeleteYou got some great shots!
ReplyDeleteStewart, awesome sighting! Congrats on seeing this rare visitor! Great photos! Thanks for hosting!
ReplyDeleteYou got some terrific shots there Stewart. Did you tell fellow twitchers you'd travelled from Australia to see the tern? they would have been mightily impressed.
ReplyDeleteTerns are always interesting to me and one so far off track is extra interesting! Great you could see and photograph it.
ReplyDeleteGreat series of shots Stewart, unlike you I only manage to come across the same birds when we are out.
ReplyDeleteA beauitful bird and great photos.
ReplyDeleteHow cool Stewart! You were in the right place at the right time.
ReplyDeleteI DO wish to see more birds around my area p:) Congratulations on your handsome birdie and Thank you very much for hosting.
ReplyDeleteSincerely from Japan, xoxo Miyako*
Congratulations! I love how the stripe runs right through the eyes! Very nice looking tern!
ReplyDeleteA nice bird to add to your UK list!
ReplyDeleteLucky you, congratulations! Your images are great of this beautiful bird!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations the surprise find. Good wishes, janice
ReplyDeleteStellar shots, Stewart! What a great opportunity for you!
ReplyDeleteWow Lucky you. It is a beautiful Tern. Now what will become of it? Will it find it's way back to where it should be?
ReplyDeleteMB
I guess I should learn a little bit more about the critters I snap. Maybe get a lot more appreciation for them...as when I read your explanations.
ReplyDeleteKudos
He's extremely handsome. Love the"wrong tern". Thanks for the smile!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on this rare sighting. Lovely series of shots.
ReplyDeleteAaah, in Collins bird guide it's labeled as a "three-star rarity"! Congratulations! Did you report it somewhere to any ornitological organizations? If so, does the Tern have visitors (birdwatchers) now? :)))
ReplyDeleteI really love the stripe along the eye. Beautiful bird ad beautiful shots.
ReplyDeleteI see there was an adult Bridled Tern observed in Germany a month ago. Maybe it's the same individual on the trip to Europe :)
ReplyDeletePhoto (yours are much better) http://www.club300.de/photo/zuegelseeschwalbe_698515.jpg
Recent records of this species http://www.birdguides.com/species/species.asp?tx=703
How exciting to capture a mega-bird like that one. It's really a very handsome bird. My favorite shot you got was the 2nd one.
ReplyDeleteYou got some awesome images there Stewart! Well done.
ReplyDeleteOutstanding karma, Stewart! For both you AND the Tern!
ReplyDeleteBrilliant images of a really handsome Tern.
Sorry to have been absent of late. Will try to do better.
Enjoy the upcoming weekend!
Looks like a fun bird to try and capture! You did a wonderful job! I like the one where it is walking, seems comical. A most beautiful bird!
ReplyDeleteA wrong tern? Are puns allowed in a bird blog? ;-)
ReplyDeleteHe's a lovely little guy. (I have found it is nearly impossible not to pun when posting about terns.)
ReplyDeleteI have so many Alaska birds and so little internet connection. Be back someday soon!!!
He's a lovely little guy and kind of funny with his cross-wise tail feathers. (It really is nearly impossible not to pun when posting about terns.)
ReplyDeleteI have so many Alaska birds and so little internet connection. Be back someday soon!!!
Great looking bird the Bridled Tern. I am happy that I was finally able to arrive to check out everything on Wildbird Wednesday~
ReplyDeleteAwesome close ups, Stewart! I can never get close to terns when I'm at the beach...:)JP
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool find! In the right place at the right time. Great pictures, thanks for hosting! Phyllis
ReplyDeleteStewart, I'm very jealous of your shots. I didn't manage to see it but I was following it's stay on Farne. Your shots are superb. Great timing by you of your visit!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on not only seeing the bird but capturing such sharp images of it. What a stunning bird!
ReplyDeleteHe looks like quite a serious fellow. :)
ReplyDelete