Least Tern (Sternula antillarum), Gilbert Water Ranch, Maricopa County

This Least Tern was discovered and photographed by Michael Moore on Pond 7 of the Gilbert Water Ranch on 22 May 2008.  Note that the bird is banded on its right leg. 

Least Tern is a rare spring migrant in Arizona. Prior to the 1990s it was casual in Arizona. Now multiple birds are typically seen each spring from late April through June with Willcox and Gilbert Water Ranch being two of the favored locations. It's not clear where the Least Terns that migrate through AZ are heading to nest.

This tiny tern is readily identified by its size, yellow bill and forehead pattern.

Submitting photos to AZFO does not constitute reporting a rare bird for consideration as an official record. To ensure that a record becomes official, details or photos of Sketch Details Species should be sent to the Editors of North American Birds and a full report of Review Species should be submitted to the Arizona Bird Committee. Most rare birds are under _documented and subsequent observers of a rarity are always encouraged to submit reports and additional photos, especially for birds that are challenging to identify.

22 May 2008, digiscoped photo by Michael Moore