It's May 1, and for Connecticut that means it's time for the return of our terns. You can now expect to see the first Common Tern and Least Tern, two of our four focal species, any day now. While they will be scattered initially, they will rise in number throughout the month in the state, slowly beginning to court mates, then forming nesting colonies in suitable beach habitats. Connecticut can also yield some more uncommon tern species passing the region, including the Royal Tern.
These birds are larger with a long, forked tail and a bright, all-orange bill with mostly white wings.
You will often enough be able to see they have a shaggy, black cap, especially when they're not in flight.
When you visit the shore this spring and summer, keep an eye to the sky for more than our typical two terns.
Scott Kruitbosch
AAfCW Volunteer Coordinator
RTPI Manager of Connecticut Programs
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