Tern in question

I was out doing turtle patrol when I saw a Tern that was definitely looking different than the rest of the bunch. I noticed that it was bigger than a Least and smaller than a Sandwich. Of interest was the fact that the bill was black, slender and a bit decurved. The part (lore) before the cap was white with black striation. The dark black cap extended down to the nape. Also, I noticed the legs were very delicate looking and had a red/maroon-ish color. I was using my cell phone and zooming in to get the photo while staying a bit away so as not to scare it off. The actual color of the bird was paler than it appears in the photo. Also, please note the shadow of the tail in the sand which seems to extend past the wings making me think that it might be a Roseate.

 

Little Estero Island - Critical Wildlife Area

Moving on with my June Challenge - I got up early and drove to the southern part of Fort Myers Beach to visit the Critical Wildlife Area and observe the active nests.

This is looking like a promising day - don't you think?

A Roseate Spoonbill with a Reddish Egret.

Reddish Egret with Short-billed Dowitchers.

Marching on.....

and you turn yourself around

In the foreground Semi-palmated Plovers, mid way are the Dowitchers and in the background the Black Skimmers are seen nesting in the protected area.

A Black Skimmer pow-wow

Here's a mate offering a fresh fish.

A juvenile Least Tern

A Least Tern with a chick

A Least Tern fishing to feed its chick

Chick with parent, patiently waiting for fish

In the back pond, I found the White Morph of the Reddish Egret - the behavior doesn't lie.

There's nothing like a good fluff

Fort Myers Beach also has its own turtle protection program - though I was surprised to see such a large enclosure....

I do like their sign though - very educational.

Black Skimmer in flight - it just takes your breath away to see it skim across the water

Here, I am, thinking to myself....there's nothing like getting up early in the morning and experience such peaceful moments.

A Least Tern chick with its own fish - freshly delivered by the parent.

A few Terns started to arrive as I set out to leave

And this, folks, is where I've been - another great birding day.

 

My E-Bird List for today  http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S18882239