Hi All:

There were roughly 70 Caspian Terns on the east side of the roof of building
C-173 at Pier 90 (just south of the Magnolia Bridge) around midday today -
with more coming in as I left. I'm sure there were more on the west side of
the roof, where I couldn't see them. I counted 9 juveniles. Does anyone have
any ideas where these birds are coming from or where they're breeding? I
looked for bands, but saw only bare legs.
These harsh-voiced, angular, stylish birds are one of my favorite birds of
summer. In past years, I used to find them at Pier 90/91 regularly, but had
not for the last two or three years.
Also in the area were three adult male Purple Martins (near the pilings
where there are a few gourds) and at least one juvenile Osprey in the nest
at Pier 91.


Ruth Taylor
Seattle
rutht at seanet.com