Date: 7/11/25 9:09 am From: wagtail1997 via groups.io <orcorba...> Subject: [OrangeCountyBirding] Feeding Frenzy Mason Regional Park this morning
Morning,
This morning a flock of Caspian Terns, probably 4 Black Skimmers, multiple Great Egrets, Snowy Egrets, and Black-crowned Night Herons were hunting by and in the lakes at Mason Regional Park (July 11). I was told by old-timers here that there were times when the lake had many feeding terns. So what are they feeding on? Was the lake stocked with fish like mosquito fish? I have perhaps the answer, based on a sample size of one. Going through my many pictures, I have this one cropped for you as it's on the edge of the picture. This is my conclusion.... it's a vertebrate prey but it's not a fish! Can you guess what it is? https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/v63021cndwvarkxy6ujzc/Edit1033.JPG?rlkey=dcq6f9gumnc97o1373ko7340j&st=wnzdaykz&dl=0 An online search shows according to AI Overview... "While the primary diet of terns, particularly in California, consists of small fish, some species have been observed feeding on t--d----- (letters removed to test you).
Joel
Joel Weintraub
Irvine, California
