Date: 8/18/25 10:56 am From: <lehman.paul...> via groups.io <lehman.paul...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] the White-winged Tern from this point onward; pelagic trips; miscellanea
First some minor miscellanea. A White-winged Dove was bordering the TRV sod farm on 18 Aug, a continuing onshore Red Phalarope was at the Salt Works that day as well (Pond 20), and the first-of-season Vermilion Flycatcher at the Sunset ball fields in the TRV had arrived on 13 Aug.
The pelagic trips on 23 Aug, 6 Sep, and 7 Sep are now full. The remaining trips this year are on 27 Sep and 11 Oct and still have plenty of space.
Beginning around 14 Aug, the routine of the White-winged Tern abruptly changed. Missed then for a couple days for the first time in over a month, we wondered if it may have departed, but then several folks photo'd it again at Pond 11 on 16 Aug, and there is a sight report on the 17th from there. BUT, we have now gotten to the point, at least temporarily, when the bird seems to be missed a bunch more than it is seen. Matt S. has been unable to locate it on Pond 12 the past few days, despite the presence there of multiple Black Terns. We reviewers also worry that at some point a few eager people will continue reporting the bird, without photos, after it has actually departed--as happens somewhat regularly with some stakeout rarities. As such, we ask all observers from this point forward to report the White-winged Tern promptly and with accurate time and location information, provide adequate documentation (that clearly eliminates Black Tern), and try to obtain photos--even distant ones that aren't worthy of five stars. Thanks.
--Paul Lehman, San Diego
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