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Forster's terns        Images © Mark A. Chappell

Forster's terns are the common breeding tern in western North America.  They are about the same size and shape as Arctic and Common terns, but are identified by their red-orange bills with black tips and pure white undersides.   Most of these birds were photographed early in the breeding season; in winter they lose the red color in the bill and develop a white crown .   The pictures were taken at Bolsa Chica wetlands in coastal Orange County, California.   Click here for other pictures of Forster's terns, elegant terns, royal terns, least terns, and Caspian terns.

  • Canon 1D4 or 7D2; 800 mm IS lens (2014, 2015-2017)