Sandwich Tern is the best I can guess...

[Lowell Goudge]

you've got it, nice shot.

Not that I am promoting the book or anything but about the best book for Norht american bird identification is The Sibley Guide to Birds.

Shows all species, subspecies, and most important, all different ages where plumage changes.

[pingflood]

Yep, I used the Sibley to ID it, just wanted to make sure. Somebody here (might've been you) recommended it and I picked it up recently. The really interesting part of it is the way the colors/plumage change during mating season -- some birds look very different!

[Marc Langille]

Second Lowell's comment on Sibley's guides. I have the Field Guide to Birds of Eastern North America plus Nat Geo and Peterson's. Sibley's is my go to guide, although the Nat. Geo guide isn't too shabby...

:
:
:
:

Pingflood, I am shocked you asked... it's a Flying Tern... as opposed to a Stationary Tern...





Seriously, it's a Sandwich Tern, based on crest and bill coloration. It's the only Tern with a black bill w/pale tip.

Cheers,
Marc

[pingflood]

Hi Marc, and thanks.

Some of the terns have very minute differences (I am still uncertain as to some of my Royals) so thought I'd check with you guys first.

[Marc Langille]

OK, I apologize... it was too good to pass up that on that one...

Yes, the plumage during the norms of breeding season can drastically change things - I am glad you picked it Sibley's Guide - it's excellent! Ultimately (unless it's really obvious) it's often best to get a couple of folks to comment, since as you indicate plumage variations, etc. can catch us by surprise.

So does this mean no more bird ID challenges???

[pingflood]

Oh, I am sure there'll be plenty!

Just wait until I ask about Snowy Egret vs Little Egret.

[Marc Langille]

Nooooo.... that's a violation!!