>Is this a routine location for Common Terns? The bird-finding-in-wa guide
>by Wahl 'n Paulson indicated that these terns are aboundant in the Sound
>area starting in August and on through early fall.
>
>Where do these terns winter? Thanks for any info.

Good question, where do they winter? It appears that Common Terns from the
east coast (Atlantic) winter mainly in southern Brazil and the esturary of
the Rio de la Plata in Argentina, where I have seen flocks of tens of
thousands. Common Terns breeding inland, like in the Great Lakes winter
mainly on the Pacific, in southern Peru. I don't think that anyone knows
where the terns that breed further west winter, but I would guess that they
are going to Peru as well. I have often wondered if Vancouver Common Terns
included Great Lakes birds in their fall migration, not just prairie
breeders. They have to cross somewhere to get to the Pacific so its not
impossible. Otherwise they may migrate down the MIssissippi and cross down
in Central America somewhere.
The Straits of Georgia/Puget Sound area appears to be a vital staging area
for Common Terns. It would be nice to know where they go after their stint
in Cascadia. Here in California they are not common at all, and may be
migrating offshore as they are rarely seen on the coast.

Good birding,

Alvaro Jaramillo
Half Moon Bay, CA

alvaro at quake.net