Least Tern (Sternula antillarum), Coachline Gravel Pit, Pima County

This Least Tern was found by Andrew Core and photographed by Andrew as well as by Craig Thayer on 22 May 2015

Once a casual visitor to Arizona, this species has increased in the last few years and the first nesting record for the state was in 2010 in Glendale. It is nearly annual in the Phoenix and Willcox areas in mid May and June. This species is still rather rare in Pima County, but this is the third photographed in the past week.

Adult unmistakable with white forehead and yellow bill, tiny size

22 May 2015, photo by Andrew Core

 

22 May 2015, photo by Craig Thayer

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