Monday Email Questions and Answers

July 13 "Least Tern Sighting?" Email:

I captured this photo on a cellphone (unfortunately the only camera on board) about one mile west of the south pier in Grand Haven.  Is this bird common to the area?

- DeeAnn Fayette

Thanks for the picture, DeeAnn.  I think these are Forster's Terns but will be interested in comments from others.  - Ric

July 13 "MCNC Website Sandpiper Question" Email:

 I noted your post from the evening of 13 June, titled, “Wastewater Birds Friday and Saturday,” which included a photo of three sandpipers and the question, “Can anyone ID these?”  The three are a White-rumped Sandpiper (rightmost bird) and two Semipalmated Sandpipers, and those two species are among the most expected shorebirds in early June.

- Phil Chu