Caspian Tern - Sandbach Flashes

Caspian Terns have been quite a common feature of the Summer so far. They seem to have been popping up everywhere, but always just that little bit too far away for me to go and see. Last week when I was in Norfolk, one had been seen the day before I arrived and then again the day I left. I saw neither.

Yesterday morning though, while I was visiting Redesmere, a message came through that one was just 20 minutes down the road at Sandbach Flashes. I aborted my plan and headed straight there. When I arrived, there were at least 20 birders there already, (which did make me think that maybe this bird had been there a little longer than the message suggested). Anyway, I was onto it quickly. It stood out due to it's pure size, putting it head and shoulders above the gulls that it was associating with. The huge red bill was clear for all to see. This is our largest Tern, and I was delighted to add this to my life list. It's been a great year for lifers, with 12 seen so far. 

Caspian Tern