Sunday, April 15, 2018

The White-fronted Terns of New Zealand



Without much question, the most common Tern on any of the New Zealand islands is the White-fronted Terns. This is a small bird, similar in size to our Foresters Tern, with a slim black bill, white breast, and light gray back and wings. I saw my first one, in Christchurch, and have pretty much seen them at almost every salt water bay, or rocky point I have visited. We crossed on a small car ferry today, and got to watch several of the preening, and then take off and go fishing. I never did get a photo with any of them with a fish, Well, one that is not very good, but I did get some nice shots. We also saw quite a few while we were on 90 Mile Beach, on the north west part of the North Island.
 
 






This photo below shows an adult tern on the right, with a juvenile bird on the left. The young bird still has some of its darker plumage.



And, so here is the not so good shot with a fish....





 

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