Taking a Tern at the Common

Escaped Ingham's grey drizzle at a lightly clouded Townsville Common today. Some shallows alive with birds. Plenty, at a distance, from the elevated hide. This young Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia) one of few flying close to camera.

Later shot from water's edge - while waiting, in vain, for a Swamp Harrier to fly my way - one among hundreds of Magpie Goose (Anseranas semipalmata).


Overall, only 55 bird species seen but stiff wind didn't help. Bonus: seven snakes, including a possible strike by a small Brown or Taipan on an even smaller Black Whipsnake.

One good turn etc ... so here's a Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybrida) at Tyto, held over from few days ago.
Click pix to enlarge