Royal Tern

Recognition
These birds resemble a small gull on first appearance.  Adults in the breeding season have a black cap and a sturdy orange bill. The bird appears to have a squat appearance when set on posts.

Where seen
In the river following boats, particularly the crabbers boat. When coming into OBV by boat, they will often hover over your head, making a begging sound for food!
Often seen at dawn and dusk on the channel markers entering and leaving OBV marina.

Jimmy’s notes
In winter, the bird molts some of its head feathers and the black cap recedes. The tail is forked and this can be seen in flight. When sat on markers, the head is often tipped down and the tail tilted up.