21h • General discussion
I think I saw an angel
This morning while walking the dogs, I looked at the marsh and saw the most angelic bird possible in flight. It was a Forster's tern, a species that I adore for its elegance and coloration. The white wingtips are unique among terns, with only one or two other species having markings of this kind. This time of year, Forster's terns are likely done breeding and a few might wander off as post-breeding birds often do. I don't have any photos, either iPhone or Canon, to show the tern I saw this morning, so I've done a couple screen caps from the Sibley app. Look at the map. Forster's do breed in our area, but also way up into the southern Canadian provinces. It says they nest on "marshy islands."
Along with their thrilling color scheme, I've seen Forster's in the most beautiful situations. Once I was out running on a favorite rural route north of Decorah, Iowa. I was crossing an old suspension over the Upper Iowa, which is a national and scenic wild river, and a pair of Forster's was lilting upstream, their white wings flashing over rippling waters.
This is why I love birding. Right here. You never know what kinds of encounters you'll have once you take up the pursuit whether casual or concerted.
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I think I saw an angel
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Birding expert and wildlife artist Christopher Cudworth brings birding to life
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