To Every Season

(Forster’s Terns)

We see Forster’s Terns in Oregon and all along our Southern California coast. They are medium-sized terns with deeply forked tails, which this angle fails to show.

Becky learned to pick them out first, separating them from the equally often seen Common Terns. I think there are two best field marks, if you will. The Forster’s tail, I mentioned, is longer than the Common’s and VERY deeply forked. During breeding season, differences in their bills give another clue. The Common Tern’s bill turns a deep red, distinguishable even in flight, as compared to the more pumpkin-orange beak of the Forster’s. Aside from those two clues, their differences are described as a matter of degree: more white (the Forster’s) or more gray (the Common). Good luck.

If you are flummoxed, no matter. Terns are beautiful, no matter the species, and so much fun to watch hover and feed.