Birdwatching with Phyllis Yochem
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Tuesday, April 4, 2000

With their beautiful designs, beach-loafing terns put on best show in town

Eight species of Terns that can be seen in this area include the Caspian, Royal, Sandwich, Forster's, common, gull-billed, black and least

 

Terns are slender, graceful, pleasingly proportioned birds that, like gulls, are often found by the seashore. Most terns feed by plunging into the water after prey. Eight species of terns are included on the list of birds that can be seen in this area.
   The two largest are Caspian and Royal terns. Next in size are Sandwich terns. Forster's terns and common terns, which are slightly smaller, look much alike. They are almost of a size with the gull-billed tern. Next come black terns, and last and smallest, least terns.
   Several species are now gathering on the sand near the jetties at Port Aransas in preparation for nesting season. Others are coming together on shallow sand bars in the Cayo del Oso. There is much excitement, showing off, and anticipation among them as they choose partners for the crucial dance of their lives, the mating and nesting that annually decides the fate of their species.
   Designed for a show
   Even when they are only loafing on the beach, terns put on one of the best shows in town. Their very design, their body shapes and feathers, are works of art. When they fly, the masterpieces become animate. If I try to say my favorite tern, I am torn. Each has its appeal. Mothers should not have favorite children, and maybe birders should not have favorite birds but should revel in the diversity.
   Royal terns are aptly named. These slender white birds with light orange bills wear a black cap for a short time during breeding season. A deeply forked tail adds to the grace they display in flight. They nest in dense colonies on offshore islands along the Atlantic coast, including Shamrock and other islands in Corpus Christi Bay.
   Caspian terns are slightly larger and heavier with red orange bills. In flight they can be identified by a black area on the underside of the wingtip. They also nest in this area.
   Sandwich terns can be found associating with royal terns before and during breeding season. Sandwich in adult plumage are pale gray above with black, slightly crested crown, and with a black bill tipped in yellow. Their comparatively short tails are heavily forked.
   Common terns
   Very common are Forster's terns. A good place to observe them is at Sunset Lake Park and at Indian Point. Uncommon here are common terns that closely resemble Forster's. Immature birds are sometimes seen on the beaches at Mustang or Padre islands. Black terns in breeding plumage are mostly black with dark gray back, wings and tails. Their flight has a swallow-like quality. Flocks of them gather now on the beach, down Padre Island at Big and Little Shell.
   Least terns are small, efficient flying machines. They are gray above with black cap and nape, yellowish legs and bills and short, deeply forked tails. Like hummingbirds, they seem hyperactive. They fiercely defend their nests and eggs. These are often placed among colonies of black skimmers. They have historically nested on the shell bars at Indian Point and Sunset lake, and beside JFK Causeway.
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   Spring Birdwalks at Blucher Park are scheduled for Saturdays and Sundays in April, except Easter Sunday. Members of the Audubon Outdoor Club of Corpus Christi will be present to answer questions and help novices spot birds. Come anytime after sunup and stay as long as there is any action.
  
  

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Phyllis Yochem, a Corpus Christi resident, has studied birds of Texas since 1960.

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