I always think of Caspian Terns as 1-day wonders…or maybe 1-hour wonders. So what's going on at Weskeag and at Maquoit Bay seems very unusual. This morning, 2 Caspian Terns were actively diving on fish prey at the mouth of the tidal creek, visible from Rossmore Rd. , from ca 9:07 until 9:28 when they were loafing with RBGulls and I left. This marks at least the third day of their presence here.
If the bird at Weskeag is seen today, that would also mark the 3rd day.
I'm itching to know what species of fish is their targeted prey. I can't figure out a way to get close enough while they're fishing to get a good photo, but I'm leaning toward elvers, based on size (within the terns' prey range) , time of year, and local habitat. (Elver nets have been present in the small creek that crosses Rossmore.)
The birds were diving when I arrived, so I don't know how long their feeding bouts last. They purposefully chose a spot right next to a GBHeron to rest, however, possibly taking advantage of the latter's size to offer some protection. Maybe somebody can get a photo, or at least make an obs. in flight if prey is vis in the bill. There aren''t many fishes around that look like elvers.
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