Date: 3/28/26 3:57 pm From: Tim Bray via groups.io <tbray...> Subject: [Mendobirds] Royal Tern, Garcia River mouth
28 March 2026 - In among a large flock (200+) of gulls at the mouth of
the Garcia River, viewed from Lighthouse Point, we found and
photographed a single Royal Tern. In the field it appeared to have a
straighter and thicker bill than Elegant and a narrow black mask/nape,
and this was confirmed by photos. There was an eBird report of one here
yesterday but the description did not rule out Elegant, which is far
more likely here.
The gull flock was interesting as well, still going through photos but
there was one Heermann's Gull.
Also nearby were three Brant and 31 Short-billed Dowitchers.
--
Cheers,
Tim
“I now belong to a higher cult of mortals for I have seen the
albatross.” Robert Cushman Murphy, 1912
mendocinocoastaudubon.org
kzyx.org/show/ecology-hour
kzyx.org/show/oak-and-thorn
