Recent news about bill color pattern of the Terns

These pictures sent by Stephen Newton and taken of Roseate Terns in the Rockabill colony show bill color changes during the breeding season in Ireland that are similar to color changes of Roseate Terns in the Great Gull Island colony.

Date: Most breeders in Irish colonies like this May and 1st half of June.

                                                                                                                                              

Photo : Olly Slessor

Date: June 23, 

Typical breeders in Ireland with small chicks

Photo:  Julie Baer

Date: July 29, 

Maximal extent of red on the bill in Ireland seen last 10 days of July (when shot taken) and early August.

 

  Photo Anthony Mc Geehan