Common Tern (Sterna hirundo) 17 September 2004, Abbotts Lagoon, Point Reyes National Seashore, Marin County, CA Photo © 2004 Joseph Morlan
Judging by the scaly appearance to the mantle with a slightly brownish cast, I think this is probably a young bird. Olympus D550z / Nikon FieldScope3 / 30XWA / Hand-held |