Elegant Tern (Thalasseus elegans), Agua Fria River at Camelback Bridge, Maricopa County

This Elegant Tern was discovered by John Saba on 30 May 2010 and photographed by Jack Holloway on 31 May 2010.

Prior to last year, there were only 6 records of the this species in Arizona.  However, five individuals were found in 3 locations last year in early June.  This represents the second report of this species in Arizona this year with the first being 28 May 2010 at Lake Havasu.  These two reports are therefore in the same timeframe as those last year. 

Large tern with long shaggy crest and long, drooping, yellow-tipped orange bill.

31 May 2010, photo by Jack Holloway

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