Observers: Parkers
Email: jimndebbyatquenetdotcom
Remote Name: 209.221.223.160
Date: 04/15/04
Time: 12:23 PM
Referring to Heindel's Inyo Graphbook, the tern looks early. Resting in the far pond, it sported a black crown, narrow & smaller orangish bill with a black tip (bill size helps exclude Caspian Tern), no black on wingtips and a medium gray back. Bright reddish legs. We never saw it in flight but had fairly good views thru our scope as it floated on the pond. The two phalaropes were females in bright breeding plumage feeding in the far NE pond also. The other two shorebirds listed were in the SE pond with many other shorebirds (already mentioned in previous posts)like Dunlin and Western Sandpipers. A dozen WFIB were present too. The Semi-pals were giving a loud distinct call note making them easy to find. Lots to see.