I have seen a pair of birds over the lake over the last few weeks. They are a similar to gulls and also resemble a swallow, although they are larger and have a short tail. Their backs appear quite silver in the sun but other markings are hard to pick up as they dart down. I was wondering if they could be a species of tern.
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L.R., via email.
Your birds are whiskered terns, light silvery grey above and dark grey to black below. They have a black cap.
These birds are very graceful, agile fliers as they seek flying insects such as mayflies and damselflies over and on the water. There are many of them in the centre of the lake, but sometimes they venture closer to the shore where we can see them easier. They often follow the weedcutters seeking whatever may be disturbed.
- Questions and photos are welcome. Send to Roger Thomas at The Courier, PO Box 21, Ballarat, 3353, or email to rthomas@vic.australis.com.au