Elegant Tern (Thalasseus elegans), San Ignacio Golf Course, Pima County

This Elegant Tern was discovered and photographed by Chuck and Jody Trible on 18 June 2011 and photographed by them on 19 June 2011.

This bird was first reported as a "Caspian Tern" from 18-20 June at the 6th hole pond at San Ignacio Golf Club course - GPS: 31.8074, -111.0139. A "Caspian Tern" was also reported (but not photographed) from a Canoa Hills pond on 21 June behind the post office - GPS: 31.82296, -111.01620. This is about a mile from the first pond and could have been this bird.

There are eight previously accepted records, which like this one, all fall between late May and late July. 

The photos show a large tern with limited black under the wings and a long thin, orange bill with a pronounced droop toward the tip. Caspian would have a stouter, redder bill and more black under the wings. It is a little tougher to eliminate Royal, but Royal would have a shorter and straighter bill with no droop.

19 June 2011, photo by Chuck and Jody Trible