#roseate tern

[vintagewildlife]

Roseate terns By: George Silk From: Natural History Magazine 1984

[lonelywretchjervistetch]

The State Bird Initiative: Connecticut (#5) - Results

Results time for Connecticut! Had a lot of difficulty choosing birds for this state, but I finally did it, and here we are one week later! Now, post Tumblr poll and, we've got our chosen candidate. So, Tumblr, which bird did you choose as the State Bird of the Constitution State?

...Uh oh.

SBI Elected State Bird of Connecticut: Connecticut Warbler (Oporornis agilis)

Welp. We were bound to have a problem like this eventually, so it's better it happened on state number 5, rather than later. But, uh, yeah, Tumblr chose the Connecticut Warbler (Oporornis agilis) for the State Bird of Connecticut. A bird named after the state because it was first seen there by Alexander Wilson. That said...allow me to quote my original post here.

No. Look, I'm just gonna say this now: no. The Connecticut Warbler (Oporornis agilis) not only doesn't breed in the state (and possibly has never bred in the state), but it's pretty much not found there. Like, at all. This is not an easy warbler to get anywhere in its range in the US, but Connecticut isn't included in that distribution. "But lonelywretch," you scream at your computer screen, 'why is it called the Connecticut goddamn Warbler if it isn't even from the state?'...it's called the Connecticut Warbler because its describer, ornithologist Alexander Wilson, first saw it in a fly-by during migration while in Connecticut...They do fly through the state very occasionally during migration, but it's definitely not a reliable bird to count on for local birders there. Honestly...bad bird for the state.

In other words...

Yeah, uh, peeps, when I say you should probably read the context section in the poll, you should probably read the context section in the poll. That said, it's extremely possible that this was the meme choice for the 46 people who chose this species, but...yeah, I definitely disagree with this one, sorry. BUT...that's not how democracy works. This is, for good or for ill, the SBI Elected State Bird of Connecticut. However...that's not the personal choice for the initiative, but we'll get to that after the jump!

Keep in mind, by the way, that for all intents and purposes, the Tumblr-chosen State Bird of Connecticut is and will remain the Connecticut Warbler, unless another voting session is requested by enough people. However, as always, after the jump is located a set of curated choices for ornithological state symbols, which is a suggested set of species, rather than the Tumblr-voted set. With that said, feel free to check out the other choices after the jump for SBI Elects, but outside of that, see you next time in Massachusetts!

The State Birds Initiative Personal Pick - Connecticut (#5)

State Bird of Connecticut (SBI): Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor)

Y'know, I was genuinely surprised that people didn't go for this one for the lulz, but hey, I'm not terribly good at predicting the ways and wiles of the internet. But as time went on, I sort of thought about it more, and this may be a solid bird for the State Bird of Connecticut for a few reasons. The Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) is an extremely common small songbird in the northeastern United States, very commonly found in backyards and on birdfeeders in the state and elsewhere. I originally chose them because they have that crest that makes them look like a classic macaroni, which you may remember as the satirical character referenced in Yankee Doodle, Connecticut's national anthem. And yeah, I think that's a good initial reason...but I also see this as an interesting opportunity.

See, the other thing I said about Connecticut is that it's a diverse state with unique perspectives and unique people. And an interesting way of expressing that could be through the Tufted Titmouse itself. This is a bird, I'd mentioned, that practices kleptotrichy, the plucking of hair from mammals to use in nests. As a result, they're also a bird that responds positively to provided nest material, especially if it's made of animal hair. That means that everybody can comb their dog or cat, put their hair in a box outside, and let the titmice use it for nesting material. It also means that, knowing Nutmeggers, there's opportunity for some really creative hair and wool offerings, and unique nests. Hell, it could be an excuse to Nutmeggers to put up more nest boxes for birds in general, fostering the breeding of multiple species in the state. Basically, the Tufted Titmouse could be a road to foster bird love in Connecticut, and still could serve as a symbol for kids all over the state. That's my pitch, and let's move onto the next entry!

SBI State Game Bird of Connecticut: American Black Duck (Anas rubripes)

As I said in the description for this species in the original post, the American Black Duck should get some attention! Two things about this choice. First, game birds are members of the Galloanserae, meaning they aren't just chickens, turkeys, and quails. They're also ducks, mergansers, geese, swans, and members of order Anseriformes. So, ducks are on the table. Coots and rails are too, as they're classified as game birds by the United States government, as are a few other species. In fact, I was originally going to give this space to crows, but the black duck was a better fit. That said...well the second point here is that this isn't necessarily the best state for the American Black Duck (Anas rubripes) as a choice for State Game Bird. But it still needs attention, as I said. Get more context for this choice in the original post, but yeah: the choice of Game Bird for a state that doesn't have a lot of hunting (yeah, that's why this choice was so difficult) is the American Black Duck!

State Raptor of Connecticut (SBI): Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus)

Again, check the original post for elaboration on this one, but I think this tiny raptor is a good choice for one of our smallest states! It also works, in my opinion, because it's a species of needed focus in Connecticut, and a relatively difficult species to see while still being present all over the state, meaning people would be looking...within reason. And yeah, this one's a harder fight for acceptance, since it eats other birds, but I think it's good to broaden focus a bit. But that said...why not the Osprey (Pandion halieetus)?

Obviously, I made a case for the Osprey, and a pretty good one, I think. But frankly...other states should have the Osprey. And most of us probably have an idea of the state I mean, but we'll cross that bridge...eventually. Point is, the Osprey is great and one of my favorites...but the Sharp-shinned needs Connecticut a lot more. We'll come back to the seahawk pretty soon, though, and proabably go through this fight all over again.

SBI's Big Fifty - Connecticut: Blue-winged Warbler (Vermivora cyanoptera)

Well, this one's a no-brainer. This is one of the most sought-out warblers for birdwatchers and birders alike, and is always a treat to see or hear. This is absolutely the right choice here, especially considering its population declines across its rane necessitating focus on the species. Plus, there's also its two famous relatives I barely mentioned previously, but they're a big conservation focus in their own ways. This is a bird to look for in any states, but since Connecticut forms a significant portion of its breeding population, why not here! Outside of that, just like the original post, I don't have too much else. Big Fifty choice presented! Onto the last category.

State Conservation Focus of Connecticut (SBI): Roseate Tern (Sterna dougallii)

Hold on, what's this? Coming from outside the ring with a foldable metal chair in hand, it's the Roseate Tern (Sterna dougalli)! What a...tern of events! OK, sorry for that last quip, couldn't stop it. Anyway, this is a species I haven't brought up! To be clear, I really, really thought about putting the Snowy Egret or Osprey here, but to be honest, the former barely breeds in CT, and the latter I'm still saving for another state. Another contender, the Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus) kind of has to be saved for another state or two, and a lot of other birds fall under the same fate. So...why the Roseate Tern? Well, to be honest, this is only one representative of a larger group of birds: shorebirds in general.

See, CT has a number of regions of conservation concern, and birds associated with them. But the shoreline goes mostly ignored for Connecticut, despite it having a fairly long one for such a small state. And, considering the state's deep link with nautical matters, it really should have its coast get some more focus. So, the Roseate Tern is actually meant to represent the shorelines of CT. Plus, the state hosts one of the larger breeding populations for the species in the USA, although not the largest, to be fair. But CT doesn't have the largest breeding population of...well, any bird species, it would seem. So, better to choose a species with a decent population size than anything else. Representing Connecticut's coastlines is the Roseate Tern, a pescivorous beach-dweller with a surprising amount of color, a fairly significant historical tie to the United Kingdom, and a tendency to be overlooked in favor of larger and more famous birds. Which, when you put it that way...yeah, this works.

With that last bird, we move onto a new state...and a potential future problem. Yeah, uh, the Connecticut Warbler mishap has made me realize the "no breeding population" rule needs to be more strictly enforced for the sake of this project. So, from here on out, if it doesn't breed in the state, it ain't a candidate for the State Bird, no matter ~~who its daddy is~~ what its name is. So, yeah, that adjustment should help matters. Plus, I'll seriously consider other similar cases moving forward. But, for now, the next state doesn't have that problem! No birds named after the Puritan State! See you soon, in Massachusetts!

See you next time, and happy birding!

[na-bird-of-the-day]

trick or treat!!! i'll take one birb pls :>

One roseate tern for you!

[aborbaday]

Roseate Tern

Sterna dougallii

[oh-dear-so-queer]

Because female birds can lay eggs regardless of whether they are fertilized, however, each partner in a lesbian pair usually contributes a full clutch of eggs to their nest even if she hasn't mated with a male. As a result, female homosexual pairs often lay what are called supernormal clutches, that is, double the number of eggs usually found in nests of heterosexual pairs.¹⁰

10. Supernormal clutches have also been reported for pairs of male Emus, probably because more than one female has laid in their nest. What might be termed "subnormal" clutches – i.e., nests containing fewer eggs than are usually found for heterosexual pairs – are reported for female pairs of Blue Tits. And "super-supernormal" clutches occasionally occur in heterosexual pairs of Roseate Terns: as a result of within-species parasitism and possibly also egg transfer (see chapter 5 for more on these phenomena), some nests containing more than double the number of eggs found even in supernormal clutches (as it also true for "dump" nests in many Ducks and Geese).

"Biological Exuberance: Animal Homosexuality and Natural Diversity" - Bruce Bagemihl

[tenth-sentence]

Most such nests appear to belong to heterosexual pairs.

"Biological Exuberance: Animal Homosexuality and Natural Diversity" - Bruce Bagemihl

[whats-in-a-sentence]

During the mating season, Caspian and Roseate Terns usually congregate in large colonies which may contain up to 500 pairs in Caspians and several thousand in Roseates.

"Biological Exuberance: Animal Homosexuality and Natural Diversity" - Bruce Bagemihl

[mcyt-as-birds]

Hello, I am here to request a bird assigned to Ivorycello, please. This blog is an absolute joy :}

roseate tern (Sterna dougallii)

[rabbitcruiser]

The current Aquatic Bird House opened on September 24, 1964, on the foundation of the original house.

[jadafitch]

Petit Manan Lighthouse, Petit Manan Island, Steuben. Possibly my favorite lighthouse. In the summer, this island is home to hundreds of birds. Including Atlantic puffins, arctic, common and roseate terns, as well as black guillemots and many more. Decided I couldn't draw them all, but here's a couple attempts to try and capture the island's vibes. Can you spot the oystercatchers? MERCH

[herpsandbirds]

I worked with piping plovers back in college. I frequently heard them pipe, but never saw any of them plove.

GET PLOVED PENDEJO!!!

I spent a summer on the beach in Sag Harbor, NY, USA (The Hamptons) monitoring nests, and we only had one nest that season. They ended up putting me on Roseate Tern and Osprey monitoring as well. Bird watching on the beach is a pretty awesome summer job tbh.

Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus), family Charadriidae, order Charadriiformes, Sauble Beach, Ontario, Canada 

photograph by Mdf

Chick on the beach, Queens, New York City, USA

photograph by Rhododendrites

[scottpartridge]

A second illustration for @ics_seychelles featuring #Seychelles Islands seabirds. Shown are Magnificent #Frigatebird Lesser Frigatebird, Brown #Noddy Lesser Noddy, Red-Tailed #Tropicbird White-Tailed Tropicbird, Tropical #Shearwater Wedge-Tailed Shearwater, Sooty Tern, Bridled Tern, Roseate Tern, and White #Tern also called the #FairyTern

[magnetothemagnificent]

I am on Spring break so I finally get to focus on birding again! Today's birds:

Little blue heron

Black vulture

Great egret

Sandhill crane

Mourning dove

Cattle egret

Great blue heron

Anhinga

Double crested cormorant

Red winged Blackbird

Limpkin

Wood stork

White ibis

Muskovy duck

Boat-tailed grackle

American crow

American coot

Common gallinule

Common grackle

Glossy ibis

Palm warbler

Common grackle

Osprey

American purple gallinule

Wood duck

Red shouldered hawk

Pied billed grebe

Royal tern

Eastern Phoebe

Roseate spoonbill

Black-bellied Whistling duck

Tricolor heron

Northern harrier

Yellow rumped warbler

Tree swallow

Swallow tailed kite

Ring billed gull

Turkey vulture

Little blue heron

Mallard

White pelican

Red eyed vireo

Mulard

Pekin x Mallard Hybrid (there was this fascinating flock of ducks consisting of mallards, feral pekins, muskovy ducks, mulards (muskovy x mallard hybrid), and Pekin/mallard hybrids)

Feral American pekin

[dansnaturepictures]

26/05/2024-Brown-tail moth caterpillar, Common Tern, Avocet chick and views in a sunny time at Lymington this afternoon.

Gorgeous Roseate Terns one of my birds of the year, Little Tern, Great Black-backed Gull, Gadwall, Eider, Shelduck, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Oystercatcher, Swifts circling overhead which was joyful to see, Redshank and Lapwing chicks I'd not seen chicks from the former before, broad-leaved clover, gladiolus and oxeye daisy were other highlights.

[edgeoftides]

Northumberland Coast November Road Trip

England in November is a season of shorter days and falling temperatures. We expected the weather for our Northumberland coastal road trip to be mixed, and that’s exactly what we got. At times, the conditions were challenging due to considerable periods of drenching rain and temperatures that barely reached double figures.

A road trip along Northumberland's beautiful coast, at any time of year, from Amble in the south to Berwick-upon-Tweed on the northern borders of Scotland, displays some of Britain's finest beaches and spectacular views. An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), this stretch of England’s most northern county is home to expansive stretches of stunning shoreline, wind-swept sand dunes, historic ruins, and charming fishing communities.

The November sun rises just before 8 am and sets about 4 pm, so I didn't have to worry about setting my alarm too early. Since there are less visitors in the area at this time of year, the coastal scenery can be explored without the crowds, having miles of beautiful Northumberland beaches virtually all to ourselves. We found some businesses and attractions understandingly closed or operating less frequently for the winter season. Finding tables at restaurants was easy whereas in the summer months booking ahead would be a necessity.

Our journey spanned five days, which gave us plenty of opportunities to leisurely explore the different places we visited, sometimes even retuning the next day, and time to shelter from the harshest weather conditions. The trip could easily be completed in half the time, especially within the longer days of summer.

Northumberland map

Highlights of Our Northumberland Coast Road Trip

Amble

We begin our tour in Amble, known as "The Friendliest Port". A quaint harbour town at the mouth of the River Coquet that can be considered as the southern gateway to the Northumberland Coast. Harbourside seafood restaurants, brightly coloured beach huts, independent retail pods, and a sizable pier can be found in this increasingly popular town.

Amble still functions as a working port and has a small fishing fleet. A 250 berth Marina, situated on the banks of the River Coquet, offers a range of boat yard services. Boat trips operate in the spring-time to view wildlife, notably puffins and roseate terns, on Coquet Island. Sitting a mile off the coast and crammed with birdlife for half the year, the island is a Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) managed nature reserve. Boat landings are not permitted and only RSPB wardens are allowed onto the island. 

Amble gained the nickname 'the friendliest port' when on 3rd July 1935, the local Council sent the RMS Mauretania a telegram on it's last voyage to the the wreckers yard in Rosyth. 'Still the finest ship on the seas'. To which Mauretania replied with, "Thank you to the last and kindliest port."

Craster

Moving approximately 15 miles north, we reach Craster, a remote coastal haven set amongst rugged rocks, dramatic coastline and beautiful countryside.

Craster has a small harbour shielded from the wind-whipped North Sea by the guarding embrace of two solid piers. These concrete harbour walls were being put to the test as we arrived. As enormous wave swells pummelled the sea defences with amazing force, we were reminded that no matter how picturesque this coastline may be, the sea can nevertheless be brutal and unforgiving,

As soon as we stepped foot in the village, we were aware of the enticing smell from the L. Robson & Sons fish smokeries. Craster has a reputation for some of the most delicious oak-smoked kippers in the country. Fish is still being cured in the ancient smokehouses, which date back more than 130 years, by this fourth-generation family business.

Craster more than makes up for its lack of beaches with a breathtaking, volcanically formed, rocky shoreline. A relatively easy, one mile walk along the headland provides breathtaking sea views as you approach the imposing ruin of Dunstanburgh Castle. One of the most atmospheric and inspiring castles in England, Dunstanburgh Castle was built in the 14th century.

With over 700 sites—more than any other county in England, you will see plenty of castles on your journey up the Northumberland coastal route. This is due to the rather violent past with neighbouring Scotland to the north.

Seahouses

Further up the coast, the bustling market town of Seahouses offers everything you may want for a conventional coastal getaway. A variety of shops, restaurants, pubs, ice cream shops, and fish & chip eateries can be found in addition to fantastic sea views. 

I have a fondness for Seahouses that stretches back over a decade or more. Known to many as ‘The entryway to the Farne Islands’ which are located two to three miles offshore. I’ve made the crossing over to the islands many times to photograph nesting sea birds. As well as being the most famous Sea Bird Sanctuary in the British Isles, the islands are also home to a large colony of Grey Seals. Birds that frequent these islands for nesting include Puffins and several breeds of Terns. Boats depart daily from the busy, colourful harbour. 

There are beautiful beaches to the north and south of Seahouses, with the northernmost one being the most popular. Bamburgh Castle provides a magnificent backdrop to this expansive sandy beach which is bordered by grassy sand dunes.

Avian Flu

The worst bird flu outbreak to ever affect the UK has occurred during 2022, and experts have cautioned that the infection rate could increase even further throughout the winter of 2022-2023. The outbreak has had a huge negative impact on agriculture and the environment, killing 97 million birds worldwide (3.8 million in the UK). In response, the Farne Islands have been closed to visitors over the breeding season, as officials attempted to stem the spread of the infections. There is still a worrying battle ahead to rid our shores of this rampant killer disease.

Bamburgh

Bamburgh is the next-door neighbour to the community of Seahouses. A picture-postcard village, with English tea rooms, stone cottages, gift shops, eateries and B&Bs. The magnificent, 1,400-year-old Bamburgh Castle is seen before you even get to Bamburgh, majestically rising from the dunes system that fringes the beach, it literally is the stuff of legends.

The castle commands sweeping views of a 2.5-kilometer long, immaculate sandy beach with the Farne Islands, Holy Island, and Lindisfarne seen in the distance. Due to its lofty position, Bamburgh Castle is a beautiful subject for photos when shot from the beach.

Holy Island

Any visit to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne begins and ends with the vagaries of the tide. The island is cut off from the mainland twice a day during high tide when the causeway that connects the mainland to the island is submerged.

Crossing Holy Island’s causeway is a great experience, beautiful and sometimes eerie. The Road is approx 3 miles long and takes about 10 minutes to drive. Close to the start of the causeway is the famous refuge shelter for anyone unlucky enough that gets caught out by the tide. If you are unfamiliar with the causeway and the workings of the tides, it is best to educate yourself first, so long as you plan your visit for the right times, there is really nothing difficult to the crossing. I double-checked the crossing times before planning our trip.

Holy Island is steeped in history with spectacular coastal scenery. Whether you're interested in history, religion, walking, birdwatching, nature, or beaches, or like me in photography - Holy Island boasts a variety of attractions and activities. I think that it’s safe to say that most visitors are attracted by the extensive ruins of a 12th-century priory church and the associated monastic buildings. The equally famous Lindisfarne Castle is the other main visitor attraction.

Local boats moor iIn Holy Island Harbour, known as The Ouse. The legendary upside-down boats on a muddy area next to the beach are old herring boats that have been converted into fishermen's sheds.

Lindisfarne Castle dates back to the middle of the sixteenth century and was first used as a garrison. The castle, which is positioned atop the volcanic rock formation known as Beblowe Craig and is one of the Island's most recognisable and appealing sights, can be seen for miles in all directions. The castle we see today was constructed by renowned architect Edwin Lutyens beginning in 1903 and is an amazing blend of a Tudor artillery fort and an Edwardian country home.

Reconnecting with some of our favourite places along the Northumberland Coast has been a wonderful experience. Who wouldn't be captivated by this special place? It's every bit the wild coast you'd want for photography inspiration.

All images © Adrian McGarry

www.adrianmcgarry.com

[oh-dear-so-queer]

Females in homosexual pairs that copulate with males in order to fertilize their eggs are functionally bisexual, although they retain their primary bond with the other female. Other female pairs may be exclusively homosexual for the duration of their pair-bond, since they do not lay fertile eggs. Some females are also sequentially bisexual, alternating between male and female partners in different breeding seasons.

"Biological Exuberance: Animal Homosexuality and Natural Diversity" - Bruce Bagemihl