The Return of the Forster’s Tern, Foggy Morning at Poole Park

Описание: Rare Forster's Tern at Poole Park | Monday 10th March 2026

A cold, foggy start to the week at Poole Park was brightened up by the presence of this stunning Forster’s Tern. This North American vagrant is a rare treat for UK birders, and it spent the morning showing well despite the grey, misty conditions. I’m fairly certain this is the same long-staying individual that first made headlines when it arrived at Sutton Bingham Lake on 6th April 2023. Since then, it has become a regular visitor to the region—I was lucky enough to catch up with it at Arne, Dorset on 16th April 2024, and it is wonderful to see it returning once again to Poole Harbour.
While most terns develop a full black cap in summer, the Forster's is best identified in winter and early spring by its distinctive, bold black "bandit mask" or comma-shaped eyepatch that doesn't wrap around the back of the head like a Common Tern’s.
Location Details:Location: Poole Park, Dorset.
Monday 10/03/2026
Weather: Foggy and grey morning
Gear Used:Camera:
Canon EOS R7Lens: Canon RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM

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