Submission No 211: Grey Ternlet Procelsterna cerulea, Burleigh Heads, QLD, 3rd May 1996. Submitted by P. Chadman.

Verdict: Accepted

The description and sketches provided with this submission detail a small tern with uniform soft-grey upperparts and paler underparts, a bulging large dark eye and a slender dark bill. The views obtained were excellent, even allowing the observer to detail the colour of the feet and legs.

The bird was observed on the ground to within one metre as it sheltered from strong winds. Flight views were brief, but it was noted that the flight mannerism was very "precise and direct" given the strength of the wind, suggesting a bird in healthy condition.

The committee had no hesitation in accepting this record and commented further that there is now a good number of records of this species reported from South East Qld and adjacent northern NSW, particularly during or immediately following periods of cyclones.

References and Bibliography

• Marchant, S. & P.J. Higgins 1993. The Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Oxford University Press; Melbourne.

Tony Palliser
Chairman Birds Australia Rarities Committee (BARC)