Mike's and Heather's post of 3 Caspian Terns at Shelburne Pond yesterday was
sufficient reason to waive reports and inclement weather and seek them out.
Included among the birds observed at the pond were: Canada Goose (12) and
about a dozen goslings, Double-crested Cormorant (~150), Black-crowned
Night-Heron (4), Bald Eagle (1), Ring-billed Gull (50+), Herring Gull (X), Caspian
Tern (2), Black-billed Cuckoo (1), Great-crested Flycatcher (2) and Savannah
Sparrow (1).
Of interest: "catch and release" game played by industrious cormorants and
pesky gulls; two families of Canada Geese apparently not intimidated by the
presences of an immature Bald Eagle scrutinizing them from the advantage point
of a tree above them; at least one of the Black-crowned Night-Herons
exhibited a metal leg band; the Caspian Terns were first observed patrolling the
pond but to the observer's surprise were seen a second time (assuming the same
two), among a large group of Ring-billed Gulls and a handful of Herring Gulls
lazing on an adjacent cultivated field; a pair of Herring Gulls were seen
flying north, one of which had a beak full of nesting material; the black-billed
Cuckoo was heard calling.
Cheers,
Roy Pilcher
Proctor, Vermont
Speaking the same language.
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