| Case Summary for:
Submission No. 209: Grey Ternlet
Procelsterna cerulea, Point Lookout, North Stradbroke Island
Queensland, 15th February 1996 (Unpublished) Verdict: Accepted This submission provides detail of a small noddy-like tern seen at close quarters from the above location on 15 February 1996 following several days of strong winds. It was described as having a prominent white cap visible from a considerable distance, uniform dove grey plumage above, while below the colour was very pale, verging on white. Additional closer observations detailed a darker trailing edge to the wing, a prominent dark eye and bill recalling that of a White Tern Gygis alba. The flight was noticeably laboured. The bird was seen on three occasions over a 20-30 Min. period, flying with Crested Tern Sterna bergii and Common Tern Sterna hirundo longipennis some 300m away. It was subsequently seen to within c.25 m as it flew along the shoreline. All observations were made with a telescope. The committee has no hesitation in accepting this record. Moreover, we acknowledge that the present submission is part of an increasing number of well-documented but as yet unpublished claims of this species from a few well-watched seawatching sites in se. Qld and northern NSW, namely Point Lookout in Qld (as in this case), Byron Bay and Ballina in NSW. As in this instance, most such reports are in the period January-April, particularly during or immediately following cyclones or other heavy weather.
Tony Palliser
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