Outdoor Ontario

Request for Information => Bird ID => Topic started by: gary yankech on May 18, 2014, 09:43:19 PM

Title: a couple bird to confirm....
Post by: gary yankech on May 18, 2014, 09:43:19 PM

I was down at the Toronto Islands, lots of good bird around. Finally saw a Wilson's Warbler, been waiting on this one for a few years now.  I have two birds I just need confirmation on.

Is this a Yellow Warbler?  or maybe a Orange-crowned?

(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2925/14215564852_661e0e7186_c.jpg) (https://www.flickr.com/photos/49663413@N08/14215564852/)
Yellow Warbler? (https://www.flickr.com/photos/49663413@N08/14215564852/) by Gary Yankech (https://www.flickr.com/people/49663413@N08/), on Flickr

Is this one a Common Tern? There were a few of these around at trout Pond,  but I did not get a good look at them, they were too far away. This one sat for a long time, but did not turn so I get a better look. Maybe a Forester''s Tern?

(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2921/14194793096_7c020ab862_c.jpg) (https://www.flickr.com/photos/49663413@N08/14194793096/)
Common Tern? (https://www.flickr.com/photos/49663413@N08/14194793096/) by Gary Yankech (https://www.flickr.com/people/49663413@N08/), on Flickr

Thanks in advance.

Title: Re: a couple bird to confirm....
Post by: lovemypt on May 18, 2014, 09:54:00 PM

sorry...yellow warbler,  orange crown are much more drab looking

Title: Re: a couple bird to confirm....
Post by: gary yankech on May 19, 2014, 09:31:00 AM

thanks....thought it was a yellow, but the slight tinge of darkness on its head threw me off.

Title: Re: a couple bird to confirm....
Post by: thouc on May 19, 2014, 07:14:51 PM

It's very difficult to separate sitting Common and Forster's Tern so I think I have to pass on that picture. In flight it is easier.

Title: Re: a couple bird to confirm....
Post by: gary yankech on May 19, 2014, 10:09:01 PM

yes....I wish I had a photo of one in flight. Are Forester's  Terns common in the GTA? Just wondering.

Title: Re: a couple bird to confirm....
Post by: Pat Hodgson on May 20, 2014, 09:02:32 AM

Forster's terns are not common here, but they do occur.  Common is common, so we have to expect that one.  But this one looks like Forster's based on all white breast/belly, fairly thick bill, extensive amount of black on bill.

Title: Re: a couple bird to confirm....
Post by: Rotarran on May 20, 2014, 10:32:10 AM

I've done some investigations recently into medium-sized Tern ID'ing and based on what I've learned, I believe that's a Common Tern.  The bill and legs look more red than orange and its legs seem shorter than that of a Forster's Tern.  See here for a complete guide:
http://ebird.org/content/wi/news/id-tip ... zed-terns/ (http://ebird.org/content/wi/news/id-tip-medium-sized-terns/)