Gull or Tern - pushing my luck with this one!!

[RobinHood]

Southern Ontario (Tiny Marsh), mid-July this year.

Quite distant so heavy crop and poor image. I thought at the time it was a Tern (Caspian, Common and Black most common here) but it doesn't look correct (all white head) so maybe a gull?

Just wondered if it jumped out at anyone who may be more familiar with this bird.

Thanks.

[akiley]

Forster's/Common Tern.

[egosnell2002]

What's wrong with juvenile Black Tern?

[RobinHood]

This was one of those images I would go back to now and then because it just seemed unusual. However my experience has been limited to adult terns.

One of my guides indicates  a "fresh juvenile" phase for the Common and Forster's with either brown or ginger-brown markings (although the legs should be pinkish) which doesn't last long. The date of my sighting fits this phase.

I think this has cleared up the mystery about this image, with not enough detail to exactly pin down the species (I was expecting someone to identify the turtle as an easier option).

Thank you both.

[Jim W]

1 hour ago, RobinHood said:

 (I was expecting someone to identify the turtle as an easier option).

 

Painted Turtle

 

(I think)

[RobinHood]

Correct Jim.