The biggest surprise during the WeBS count at the Ouse Washes today was a Common Tern seen briefly this morning flying along the Old Bedford River between Welches Dam and the A142.
We didn't have a very good view as it was going away from us with the light against us. Fortunately when returning back to Welches Dam from north of the railway around 3pm having completed our section it was fishing in the river between Purls Bridge and Welches Dam.
It looked like an adult plumage bird except for a white forehead and black bill. I then watched it from Welches Dam Bridge until 5pm just before the rest of the team returned having completed their counts.
From my description Owen Marks suggest it may be the 'portlandica' type plumage, which according to BWP "resembles adult non-breeding, but if moult delayed, plumage often subject to exceptional wear and bleaching, creating 'portlandica'-type plumage pattern".
This is the earliest county record by 6 days.
Bruce Martin & Andy Maddams (RSPB).
A daily digest of all Rare Birds and Scarce Migrants recorded in Britain. It includes only those records considered acceptable by the British Birding Association and UK400 Club. Please email any updates, additional details or site instructions, images or related material to LGREUK400@aol.com.
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