Above shows what I originally believed to be a Roseate Tern but then I thought it was a Common Tern of the Race " Longipennis" due to the fact I am in S E Asia but this has now been reconfirmed as a Roseate. These photos were taken at the Batua Tikus lighthouse last week but I have not had the chance to update and so published them here in this post.
Above shows you a Black-naped Tern which was one of around 20+, also seen today was 2 Indo Pacific Bottle Nosed Dolphins, 6 different sightings of Tuna breaching the surface and plenty of flying fish all on route to the rocky islet of Tokong Bara (photo below) It is here, beneath the surface of the water that things really get interesting. As soon as we entered the water from the boat straight away was of 3 large Black tipped Reef Sharks just 9 feet away from us! in crystal clear water and in a shallow depth of just 7 feet! They patrolled over and around the shallows of the reef before we left them to continue our survey. There was plenty of species of fish and some big shoals at times but another highlight had to be the 2 large Barracuda 5 feet in length that looked at us and slowly made their way in our direction. The ID card to the fishes of south east Asia states " Treat with Caution" so that is exactly what we did. Hopefully more to come on the Sharks soon...
You were right first time - it IS a Roseate. Bill too long for CT, and note the pink flush on the underparts(would be grey on CT) and very pale grey upperparts. Nice one!
ReplyDeleteHi, that certainly looks like a Roseate Tern with its rather short primaries and pink flush.Should longipennis not have a dusky grey wash on the underparts?
ReplyDeletecheers, Pete.
Really nice, I only wish I was there with You
ReplyDeleteCheers
Hakim
Dave / Pete thanks for your replies, The pink flush looks more brighter in this shot than it actually was in the field. I don't know why I questioned the record but I guess I should have just gone with the first thought I had.
ReplyDelete