This morning I worked on the shrubs and plants around our condo and this afternoon I relaxed at our communal pool. During this whole span of time I continually checked the internet re: the Elegant Tern. After dinner, at ~ 7:15 PM, I nonchalantly checked again, saw Jay McGowan's positive post, and immediately found myself in a quandary...should I go for the bird at this late hour ?
First, thank you Jay for the jolt ! Without taking time to dress properly, I rolled, and by ~ 8:05 PM, had stopped to check out a group of shorebirds, gulls, terns and skimmers that were feeding in the bay, close to the road, near where the recent breeching occurred, just e/o Tiana Beach. My attention was quickly directed to the only large tern in the mix, and before it took flight, was able to see (binoculars only) it's long bill (which drooped at the end) as well as it's big black head patch & crest. I thought this could be the bird, but realized I hadn't seen it long enough to be able to be sure...having never seen this species before. The tern circled a few times, before heading west, with me in hot pursuit. Making the bay side of Tiana Beach my first stop, I came upon Shai Mitra & Pat Lindsay, who told me I had just missed the bird by minutes ! The elegant had come from the east and continued on, possibly making Cupsogue it's next destination. With this information, a bell went off, and in the space of a few questions & answers, I was sure of what I had seen ! It isn't every day when a dynamic duo, like Shai & Pat, can put your doubts to rest - my sincere thanks ! The next time I chase a good bird and miss, the only word I'll have to say to put the experience in proper perspective is...Jayshaipat ! -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
