Hi Darrel

It is on the early side, but not unprecedented. Quoting from Gilligan et al
in Birds of Oregon:

"Spring transients [Caspian Terns] are common on the coast, first
appearing in late March and peaking in April, during which as many as 35 birds an
hour have been noted passing coastal points."

The authors go on to imply that the Columbia Mouth is a prime site for these
Spring transients. Notably Caspian Tern populations are expanding throughout
much of the west. Given climactic trends and this range expansion it seems
likely more birds will be seen earlier, and more often.

Records of the other Sterna terns early arrival dates are typically much
later [Arctic, Forster's and Common typically don't arrive until mid-April at
the earliest]. So based on the date, and also my observations [the birds were
clearly largish white Sterna terns] it is almost assured the birds were
Caspian Terns-Sterna caspia. However, I never call a bird species positively unless
I can approach 99%-100% self-confidence [who knows what real certainty would
look like in the vague world of avian ID]. Given the distance of the birds
and the obscurity of the wing pattern and bill structure, reactionary and
conservative prudence tells me not to rule out the possibility of some other
exceptionally early Sterna-especially, again, given the odd pulls and pushes of a
warming global climate.

Best wishes & Good birding,
Blake Matheson
Carmel California & Portland Oregon



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